each year the scholars are invited to work on projects related to an annual theme. in 2008–2009, the theme for the getty center was "networks and boundaries" and for the getty villa "the power and function of ancient images". the lengths of stay vary: getty scholars are in residence for three, six or nine months, visiting scholars for one to three months, and predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows for a nine month academic year. in 2011-12, the theme is "artistic practice".