International call for fellows

Het Nieuwe Instituut, the Dutch institute of architecture, design, and digital culture, announces an open call for three research fellows to work in residence from September 2017 to February 2018. Since its founding in 2013, Het Nieuwe Instituut has fostered research initiatives in the form of exhibitions, events, archival investigations and publications by a variety of practitioners, independent researchers, academics and curators.

Current technological, political, and social transformations have raised questions about the construction of a shared worldview. New forms of creativity and responsibility are needed to develop engaged, self-aware, and critical arguments about alternative modes of living and experimenting in the cultural field. Research is pivotal in this pursuit. The call for fellows invites applicants to submit a research proposal with a unique perspective and specific methodology to address pressing contemporary questions in which architecture, design, and digital culture play a part. This fellowship is also an opportunity to interact with and challenge the ongoing activities of the institute, amidst the wider context of the debate on the role of institutions.

Priority will be given to proposals that offer departures from established modes of thinking, develop a distinctive research methodology, activate multiple channels for dissemination of research outcomes, and construct a network of collaborators and other institutional contacts, both within the Netherlands and abroad. Applicants need not have a degree in the discipline they choose to investigate, but must display deep engagement with the subject matter. Neither a curriculum vitae nor letters of recommendation are requested. There is no age limit for applicants. Applicants of all citizenships and places of residence are welcome.

2016 fellows include Andrea Bagnato, Simone Niquille, Noam Toran, and Füsun Türetken. More information on previous fellows can be found here.

Complete instructions for the application can be found here.

Practical information and selection criteria
The fellowship is a 6-month position based at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It includes a monthly stipend of 2,000 EUR and a return trip from the country of residence. Stipends may be subject to a withholding tax. Fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Fellows must be able to attend regular meetings in Rotterdam as well as a retreat of up to five days. The terms of the research fellowship will be agreed on an individual basis with respect to research subject, location and residence eligibility.

Applications must be sent by April 16 to callforfellows@hetnieuweinstituut.nl.
Questions can be directed by March 27 to Katía Truijen, k.truijen@hetnieuweinstituut.nl.
Responses to questions will be posted on March 31 here.

Jury members
A jury composed of leading international practitioners in architecture, design, digital culture, and artistic research, as well as two representatives of Het Nieuwe Instituut, will select the three fellows. Members include Susan Schuppli (artist, researcher, Senior Lecturer and Acting Director of the Centre for Research Architecture, Goldsmiths); Morehshin Allahyari (artist, activist and educator); Marina Otero Verzier (Head of Research & Development, Het Nieuwe Instituut) and Guus Beumer (General and Artistic Director, Het Nieuwe Instituut). Final jury will be announced on Friday, March 17 here.

Timeline
March 13: Opening of the call for fellowship applications
March 27: Deadline for questions related to applications
March 31: Response to questions
April 16: Final deadline for fellowship applications
May 23: Public announcement of selected fellows