Open Call: Entangled Ecosystems Grant II for Artists (India)

The Entangled Ecosystems Grant invites Indian artists and artist collectives to create a new exhibition exploring human and nonhuman coexistence through art, science, and ecological field research. The selected participant will develop a research-driven exhibition between September 2026 and February 2027, with the final exhibit scheduled to open in May 2027.

What is the Entangled Ecosystems Grant?

The Entangled Ecosystems Grant is an interdisciplinary arts grant that supports the creation of an original exhibition inspired by long-term ecological research. The programme encourages artists to engage with scientific field studies and translate ecological knowledge into creative works that foster new perspectives on coexistence between humans and other species.

The grant brings together art, ecology, scientific research, and community knowledge to encourage innovative artistic practices that deepen public understanding of shared ecosystems.

Rather than illustrating scientific findings, the programme encourages artists to interpret research through their own creative methods and develop new ways of communicating ecological relationships.

Program Overview

• Programme Name: Entangled Ecosystems Grant
• Eligible Applicants: Indian artists and artist collectives
• Project Type: Research-based interdisciplinary art exhibition
• Project Development Period: September 2026 – February 2027
• Exhibition Launch: May 2027
• Primary Focus: Art, ecology, science, and human–nonhuman coexistence

Purpose of the Grant

The Entangled Ecosystems Grant aims to support artistic projects that bridge scientific research and creative expression.

The programme seeks to:

• Encourage collaboration between artists and researchers.
• Promote new interpretations of ecological field research.
• Explore relationships between humans and nonhuman species.
• Support interdisciplinary artistic practice.
• Increase public engagement with environmental and ecological issues.
• Present scientific knowledge through accessible and creative formats.

Research Themes

The grant focuses on understanding coexistence within shared ecosystems.

Priority themes include:

• Human and nonhuman coexistence
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Art and science collaboration
• Ecological field research
• Animal behaviour
• Multimodal communication
• Animal cognition
• Interspecies relationships
• Shared ecosystems
• Environmental storytelling
• Indigenous knowledge
• Community-based ecological research
• Conservation and coexistence

Projects should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with one or more of these themes.

Research Materials Available to Selected Artists

The selected artist or collective will have access to extensive ecological research materials developed through long-term field studies.

These materials include research on:

• Animal movement patterns
• Social relationships
• Communication systems
• Cognitive behaviour
• Human–animal interactions
• Interspecies relationships
• Behaviour across urban landscapes
• Behaviour in peri-urban environments
• Behaviour in forest ecosystems

Research has been developed through collaboration with:

• Field researchers
• Local communities
• Indigenous collaborators

The programme encourages artists to respond creatively to these materials rather than simply illustrating scientific findings.

Species Featured in the Research

Artists will engage with research involving several nonhuman species living alongside people.

Featured species include:

• Macaques
• Elephants
• Crocodiles

These species are studied across different ecological environments where humans and wildlife interact in everyday life.

Artistic Output

The selected participant will develop a new public exhibition inspired by the research.

The final output:

• Must be presented as an exhibition.
• May use any artistic medium.
• Should reflect research-driven artistic inquiry.
• Should communicate ecological themes to diverse audiences.
• May incorporate experimental and interdisciplinary approaches.

The programme intentionally leaves the exhibition format open to encourage innovation and creative freedom.

Project Timeline

The project follows a structured development schedule.

• Project Development: September 2026 – February 2027
• Exhibition Presentation: May 2027

During the development phase, the selected artist or collective will engage with research materials and develop the final exhibition.

Who is Eligible?

The grant is open to:

• Individual artists of Indian nationality.
• Artist collectives whose members are of Indian nationality.

Applicants should have an interest in interdisciplinary artistic practice and research-based creative work.

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Competitive proposals generally demonstrate:

• A strong artistic vision.
• Interest in ecological and environmental themes.
• Ability to engage with scientific research.
• Innovative interdisciplinary practice.
• Original approaches to storytelling.
• Commitment to public engagement.
• Experimental thinking.
• Clear exhibition concept.

Applicants should explain how their artistic practice can transform research into meaningful public experiences.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application.

Step 1: Review the Grant Objectives

Understand the programme’s focus on coexistence, ecological research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Step 2: Develop an Exhibition Concept

Create a proposal explaining how your artistic practice will respond to the research themes.

Step 3: Demonstrate Your Artistic Approach

Describe:

• Your creative methodology.
• Relevant artistic experience.
• Interest in research-based practice.
• Approach to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Step 4: Explain Audience Engagement

Describe how your exhibition will encourage audiences to think differently about ecology, coexistence, and interspecies relationships.

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Materials

Include any documents or portfolio materials requested in the application guidelines.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the application before the official deadline following the programme instructions.

Why This Grant Matters

The Entangled Ecosystems Grant creates opportunities for artists to engage deeply with scientific knowledge while expanding public conversations about ecology and coexistence.

Key benefits include:

• Encourages collaboration between art and science.
• Supports research-based artistic practice.
• Promotes ecological awareness.
• Highlights Indigenous and local knowledge.
• Explores relationships between humans and wildlife.
• Encourages experimental exhibition formats.
• Connects diverse audiences with environmental research.

The programme demonstrates how artistic practice can contribute to environmental understanding and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

• Proposing projects unrelated to the programme’s ecological themes.
• Treating scientific research as simple illustration rather than creative interpretation.
• Presenting an unclear exhibition concept.
• Failing to explain audience engagement.
• Ignoring the interdisciplinary nature of the programme.
• Submitting incomplete portfolio materials.
• Providing vague project objectives.

A clear, research-informed proposal can significantly improve the likelihood of selection.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

To strengthen your proposal:

• Demonstrate genuine interest in ecology and coexistence.
• Explain how science will inform your artistic practice.
• Present an innovative exhibition concept.
• Highlight previous interdisciplinary or research-based projects.
• Show how your work will engage diverse audiences.
• Emphasise experimentation and creative exploration.
• Clearly explain your artistic process and expected outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Entangled Ecosystems Grant?

The grant is open to individual artists and artist collectives of Indian nationality.

What is the main objective of the grant?

The programme supports the creation of an original exhibition exploring human and nonhuman coexistence through interdisciplinary collaboration between art and scientific research.

What research themes are included?

The programme focuses on ecology, coexistence, animal behaviour, cognition, communication, interspecies relationships, environmental research, and shared ecosystems.

Which animal species are featured in the research?

Research materials include long-term studies involving macaques, elephants, and crocodiles living across urban, peri-urban, and forest environments.

What type of artwork can be created?

The exhibition format is intentionally open. Artists may choose any medium that supports research-driven, experimental, and interdisciplinary artistic practice.

What is the project timeline?

Project development will take place from September 2026 to February 2027, with the completed exhibition scheduled to open in May 2027.

What makes a competitive application?

Strong proposals demonstrate an original artistic vision, meaningful engagement with ecological research, interdisciplinary thinking, audience engagement, and a clear exhibition concept that explores coexistence between humans and nonhuman species.

Conclusion

The Entangled Ecosystems Grant offers a unique opportunity for Indian artists and artist collectives to collaborate with ecological research and create an innovative public exhibition exploring human and nonhuman coexistence. By combining art, science, field research, and community knowledge, the programme encourages new ways of understanding shared ecosystems and interspecies relationships. Artists with a strong interest in interdisciplinary practice, environmental storytelling, and research-driven creativity are encouraged to develop compelling exhibition proposals that connect diverse audiences with pressing ecological themes.