PolARTS a joint initiative by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Polar Institute launches its 2026 open call for artists and scientists interested in cross-disciplinary collaboration. Up to three tandems will be selected to embark on a 12 to 18-month joint research process, exploring intersections between artistic and scientific practice.
By Creatives Unite CommunityDeadline for applications: 31 January 2026, 17:00 CET
Organisers: Pro Helvetia / Swiss Polar Institute
Who It’s For: Artists in Switzerland and scientists affiliated with Swiss public research institutions
Read more and apply here.
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What Is This About?
PolARTS encourages collaborative research between artists and scientists working on topics related to polar or high-altitude regions (Arctic, Antarctic, Himalayas, Andes, etc.). Rather than focusing on outputs, the programme supports open-ended exchange, exploration, and transdisciplinary dialogue between fields.
Each selected tandem will be supported over 12 to 18 months, meeting regularly across locations like studios, labs, conferences, or residencies. Optional field trips for artists to accompany their scientific counterparts are also available.
What’s Offered
Each selected artist–scientist tandem will receive:
- Up to CHF 7,000 in living expenses (artist only – based on days committed)
- Up to CHF 5,500 in operational support (shared expenses for meetings, travel, materials)
- Optional field trip support of up to CHF 10,000 (artist only)
- Field trip coordination fee of up to CHF 3,000 (to the scientific unit)
- Additional childcare allowance for artists: up to CHF 1,000/month (if applicable)
- Participation in three PolARTS workshops coordinated by the organisers
Who Can Apply
Artists must:
- Be Swiss citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland
- Be active in fields supported by Pro Helvetia (visual arts, performing arts, literature, music, design, etc.)
- Show a strong professional track record and relevance in the Swiss artistic context
- Not have previously received PolARTS support
Scientists must:
- Be PhD candidates or more senior researchers
- Be affiliated with a Swiss public research institution
- Be working on polar or high-altitude topics (broadly interpreted – including social sciences, engineering, etc.)
- Not have previously received PolARTS support
Each proposal must be submitted jointly by an artist and scientist as a tandem.
For more information and to submit your application please read thoroughly the open call document and visit the official website of Swiss Polar Institute.
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Image: Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash
