Deadline: 16-May-2026
The Cavendish Arts Science Fellowship is a one-year interdisciplinary residency at Cambridge (Oct 2026–Oct 2027) supporting artists to explore experimental work in collaboration with scientists. It provides £20,000 in combined stipend and production funding plus travel support and free accommodation. The programme encourages boundary-pushing, inclusive, and research-driven artistic practice.
The Cavendish Arts Science Fellowship is an interdisciplinary residency programme based in Cambridge that supports artists in developing experimental and innovative creative practices through engagement with science.
The fellowship encourages artists to explore new ways of understanding the world by working across artistic and scientific disciplines.
Program Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Support experimental and interdisciplinary artistic practice
- Encourage collaboration between artists and scientists
- Promote alternative ways of understanding knowledge systems
- Enable engagement with underrepresented communities
- Foster boundary-pushing creative and conceptual work
It is designed as a space for research, experimentation, and artistic innovation.
Key Focus Areas
Interdisciplinary Exploration
- Collaboration with physicists and other scientists
- Integration of art and scientific inquiry
- Cross-disciplinary knowledge creation
Experimental Artistic Practice
- Decentring traditional artistic approaches
- Re-imagining creative methodologies
- Developing work-in-progress projects
Social and Conceptual Engagement
- Working with underrepresented communities
- Exploring non-mainstream perspectives
- Expanding access to knowledge systems
Fellowship Structure
- Duration: 1 year (October 2026 – October 2027)
- Residency: Minimum 6 months in Cambridge
- Flexible schedule agreed with selected artist
- Location: Girton College, Cambridge
Fellows are hosted as Visiting Fellow Commoner in the Arts.
Funding and Support
- Stipend: £10,000 (living costs)
- Production budget: £10,000 (creative work development)
- Travel support: Up to £3,000 (location-dependent)
- Accommodation: Rent-free housing at Girton College
- Meals: Access to college dining facilities
Additional family visits are permitted, but not funded.
Who is Eligible?
The fellowship is open to:
- Artists of all disciplines and backgrounds
- Applicants from any nationality or country of residence
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be over 18 years old
- Must not be in full-time education at the start of the fellowship
- Must be willing to reside in Cambridge for the residency period
- Open to artists without prior scientific collaboration experience
Why It Matters
This fellowship is important because it:
- Bridges the gap between art and science
- Encourages experimental and innovative thinking
- Supports underrepresented artistic perspectives
- Promotes inclusive and interdisciplinary research environments
- Expands the boundaries of contemporary artistic practice
It creates space for new forms of knowledge creation.
How It Works / How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare Artistic Proposal
Develop an experimental concept that integrates interdisciplinary thinking. - Highlight Practice and Vision
Show your creative approach and openness to collaboration with science. - Submit Application
Apply through the official Cavendish Arts Science Fellowship process. - Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on originality, experimentation, and interdisciplinary potential. - Residency Period
Selected artist participates in a one-year fellowship in Cambridge.
Tips for Strong Applications
- Emphasize experimental and boundary-pushing ideas
- Show openness to collaboration with scientists
- Highlight originality in artistic practice
- Demonstrate conceptual depth and curiosity
- Include socially inclusive or community-engaged elements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overly traditional or commercial art proposals
- Lack of interdisciplinary or experimental focus
- Weak engagement with scientific collaboration
- Unclear artistic vision or objectives
- Not aligning with residency requirements
FAQs
What is the purpose of the fellowship?
To support experimental, interdisciplinary art practice in collaboration with science.
How long is the fellowship?
One year, including at least six months in Cambridge.
What funding is provided?
£10,000 stipend, £10,000 production budget, and up to £3,000 travel support.
Who can apply?
Artists of any background, nationality, or discipline.
Is prior scientific experience required?
No, the fellowship encourages artists without prior science collaboration.
Where is the residency held?
At Girton College, University of Cambridge.
Are family visits allowed?
Yes, but additional costs are not covered.
Conclusion
The Cavendish Arts Science Fellowship is a unique opportunity for artists to explore experimental, interdisciplinary work at the intersection of art and science. By providing funding, residency support, and access to scientific collaboration, it enables innovative creative practices that challenge traditional boundaries and expand ways of understanding the world.
For more information, visit Cavendish Arts Science.