Redefining our relationship with what we consume requires an environment that fosters deep Interdisciplinary Research between art, science, and ecology. For food artists and designers, the challenge often lies in accessing the scientific infrastructure and collaborative networks needed to move beyond aesthetics into the realm of systemic change. Finding a residency that offers a significant Monthly Stipend, professional lab facilities, and access to regenerative farming networks is a pivotal milestone for any practitioner working at the intersection of food and politics.
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The 2027 Food Lab Fellowship, a collaboration between the Jan van Eyck Academie and Maastricht University (SES), provides an unparalleled platform for this exploration. Embedded in the European project Institution(ing)s, this fellowship invites one artistic practitioner to spend eleven months in Maastricht and Venlo. Supported by Creative Europe, this program ensures that fellows can develop situated knowledge and evocative research, shaping the future of Sustainable Agriculture and food security on a global scale.
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2027 Food Lab Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Jan van Eyck Academie & Maastricht University |
| Target Audience | Food Artists & Designers |
| Primary Benefit | €1,750 Monthly Stipend & €2,250 Working Budget |
| Residency Period | 15 January – 15 December 2027 |
| Core Focus | Global Food Systems, Ecology, & Communal Histories |
| Application Deadline | June 4, 2026 |
About the Jan van Eyck Food Lab Initiative
Since 2018, the Jan van Eyck Food Lab has acted as a catalyst for experiments that place artistic research in the wider context of Food Production and consumption. The 2027 Fellowship is specifically designed for practitioners whose work critically engages with global food systems, communal histories, and the journeys of food across borders. This is not just a studio residency; it is an active engagement with a community of 36-40 diverse creative minds sharing perspectives on a world in transition.
Fellows benefit from a multi-layered support system. While the Food Lab is the primary home, the researcher can tap into the academy’s other departments, such as Future Materials and Nature Research. Furthermore, through the partnership with System Earth Science (SES) at Maastricht University, the fellow gains access to advanced research methodologies, experimental greenhouses in Venlo, and interdisciplinary knowledge on planetary health and regenerative agriculture.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To stimulate artistic experimentation in food security, eco-social issues, and circular food sources.
- To foster collaboration between contemporary art and scientific research via Maastricht University.
- To co-create innovative institutional models that contribute to social inclusion and environmental transformation.
- To showcase transformative understandings of food through the Open Studios event in October 2027.
Career Impact and Artistic Excellence
An appointment as a Food Lab Fellow at the Jan van Eyck Academie is a hallmark of Artistic Excellence in the Netherlands and abroad. Fellows gain the opportunity to present their work to an international audience and collaborate with the Institution(ing)s network across seven European countries. The ability to work alongside “System Earth Science” researchers provides a scientific foundation that elevates the credibility and impact of the fellow’s artistic research in the global Sustainability landscape.
Why Apply for the Food Lab Fellowship?
The Jan van Eyck Academie is one of the most prestigious post-academies in Europe, known for its focus on urgent environmental and social topics. The Food Lab Fellowship stands out because it offers direct access to a regional network of bio-based material startups, local farmers, and edible plant specialists. Choosing this program means joining a vibrant community that values Radical Imagination and provides the financial and technical freedom to investigate food as medicine, renewable energy, or a tool for geo-politics.
Benefits of the 2027 Food Lab Fellowship
- Monthly stipend of €1,750 (80% exempt from income tax).
- Annual working budget of €2,250 for project development.
- Access to a private studio and high-tech labs (Printing, Photography, Future Materials).
- Local transport allowance of up to €750 for travel to scientific facilities in Venlo.
- Integration into a European network through the Institution(ing)s project.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Practice: Must have a sound artistic practice in food-related research.
- Residency: Fellows are expected to reside in or near Maastricht (within 10km) during the stay.
- Exclusions: Jan van Eyck alumni and recent full-time participants of Rijksakademie or De Ateliers are not eligible.
- Format: The fellowship hosts individual candidates only (no teams).
- Language: All application materials and project proposals must be in English.
- Fee: A €50 application fee applies (waived for applicants from DAC list countries).
Application format
To apply, please submit a single pdf (max. 10 MB) via the online registration form consisting of the following materials presented in English:
- A motivational letter and project proposal (max 500 w. each);
- Documentation of previous work (max 15 pages with 1 – 2 images per page). The presented material should not be older than 5 years;
- A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
Step by Step Application Guide for the Food Lab Fellowship
Phase 1: Project Alignment and Conceptualization
- Review the Food Lab’s core themes: food security, (geo-)politics, and circular food sources.
- Develop a project proposal that reflects on the journeys of food across cultures and histories.
- Consider how your work could benefit from the SES Maastricht facilities in Venlo.
- Ensure your practice demonstrates “radical imagination” and a commitment to sustainable futures.
Phase 2: Portfolio and Motivational Drafting
- Write a motivational letter (max 500 words) explaining why this specific residency fits your career.
- Draft your project proposal (max 500 words) outlining your goals for the 11-month period.
- Select 15 pages of your best work from the last 5 years to include in your portfolio.
- Update your CV (max 2 pages) to highlight relevant exhibitions, research, or food-related projects.
Phase 3: Digital Compilation and Hyperlinking
- Combine your letter, proposal, CV, and portfolio into a single PDF (max 10 MB).
- Ensure all hyperlinks to external videos (Vimeo/YouTube) function and include necessary passwords.
- Double-check that your imagery is high quality (1–2 images per page).
- If you are from a DAC list country, prepare to request a fee waiver.
Phase 4: Official Online Submission
- Access the Jan van Eyck Academie online registration form.
- Upload your PDF and complete the required fields in English.
- Pay the €50 application fee via PayPal to finalize the process.
- Submit the complete package no later than June 4, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Phase 5: Selection and Onboarding
- A selection committee including the Director and SES Scientific Director will evaluate applications.
- Monitor your email for the announcement of selected candidates in early July 2026.
- If selected, begin searching for accommodation in Maastricht (the institute provides guidance).
- Prepare to start your residency on January 15, 2027, and participate in the Open Studios.
Jamnet Expert Advice
- Use the SMART Method: Ensure your project proposal has Specific deliverables that can be showcased at the October 2027 Open Studios.
- Apply the STAR Technique: When documenting previous work, describe the Situation (the food system issue), the Task, the Action (your artistic intervention), and the Result (the impact or exhibition).
- Main Focus: The committee values “situated knowledge”—show how your work is rooted in specific communal or historical contexts.
- Proactive Tip: Since transport to Venlo is covered, make sure to explicitly mention how you plan to use the SES greenhouses or soil research in your proposal.
Deadline: June 4, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 2027 Food Lab Fellowship
1. Who can apply for the Food Lab Fellowship? Food artists, designers, and artistic practitioners with a research-focused practice.
2. What is the financial support provided? A monthly stipend of €1,750 and an annual working budget of €2,250.
3. Is this a remote fellowship? No, fellows must reside in Maastricht or within 10km of the academy.
4. What is the duration of the residency? The fellowship lasts for 11 months, from January 15 to December 15, 2027.
5. Can I apply as a duo or team? No, the fellowship is only open to individual candidates.
6. Do I need to pay an enrolment fee? No, the selected fellow is exempt from paying the annual enrolment fee.
7. What scientific facilities will I have access to? You will have access to System Earth Science (SES) facilities in Venlo, including experimental food gardens and greenhouses.
8. What is the “Institution(ing)s” project? It is a European cooperation project involving 8 cultural organizations focused on sustainable futures and social inclusion.
9. Are alumni of other Dutch post-academies eligible? Alumni of Rijksakademie or De Ateliers are not eligible if they were enrolled as full-time participants.
10. In what language should I submit my application? All materials must be submitted in English.
