Call for Applications: Artists-in-Residence for 2025 / 2026

About MPIEA
Founded in 2013 and located in Frankfurt/Main, the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics brings researchers from the humanities and the sciences together to investigate the field of aesthetics. This involves asking how and by whom art is appreciated, and which art, for which reasons, under which situational and historical circumstances, as well as analyzing the functions of aesthetic practices and preferences for individuals and societies. The MPIEA is currently the only research institution in the world that is dedicated solely to interdisciplinary research on aesthetic perception and evaluation. The MPIEA is one of 86 research institutions of the Max Planck Society, one of Europe’s leading organizations in the field of basic research. To learn more, please visit our website.

INHABIT

The INHABIT artist-in-residence program of the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics invites artists from the performing arts and music to collaborate with our team of scientists and researchers. The integration of artistic thinking and knowledge as reflective practices in their own right is an important dimension of the Institute’s mission. For this the presence of art and the inspiration and challenge of artistic practice are essential. The interaction between these different perspectives creates a productive space for artists and scientists to collaborate in.

For this reason, INHABIT invites artists to spend four months creating new work, or further developing an existing project, in a scientific research environment. Openness to the mission of the Institute and interest and readiness to work together with individual researchers or research groups are naturally preconditions. During the residency, the Institute will provide space, resources, and facilities for productive experimentation, dialogue, and collaboration.
Work developed during the residency will be presented in cooperation with various local arts institutions in the form of an exhibition, performance, concert, or other presentation, and complemented by discursive formats.

Residency Periods and Deadlines:

INHABIT #13
Residency period: September–December 2025

INHABIT #14
Residency period: March–June 2026

INHABIT #15
Residency period: September–December 2026

Duration of residency: 4 months
Application deadline: December 29, 2024 (23:59 CET)
Jury decision: April 2025

• Artists from the performing arts and music who are interested in interdisciplinary collaboration between the artistic and scientific fields;
• Artists from different disciplines (with a focus on time-based and performing arts, installation and music) who are interested in interdisciplinary collaboration between the artistic and scientific fields;
• Artists who are open to developing and sharing a project in the form of an exhibition, performance, concert, or other format;
• Artists who are active in contemporary culture and respond to the Institute with innovative and challenging ideas.

• Artist’s fee: 8,000 euros;
• Accommodation fee: 2,000 euros;
• Production budget depending on the project;
• Technical and administrative support for the realization of the final project.
• Travel costs to/from and in Frankfurt;
• Collaboration with scientists and researchers;
• Access to the Institute’s library, sound studio, and scientific facilities;
• Curatorial support during the residency.

Please upload, no later than December 29, 2024 (23:59 CET) your complete application including

• your CV;
• an artist’s statement describing your practice, concepts, and methods, etc. (max. 500 words);
• a description of the proposed project that outlines potential connections with the work of the Institute and the scientific interest (max. 500 words);
• a portfolio of your work.