Simons Foundation
Symmetry: A Call for Artists, Scientists and Arts Organizations Completed applications due February 20, 2025 - the curator/ producer should submit their application well ahead of February 20 to allow the artist and scientist ample time to submit their applications prior to the Feb. 20 deadline.
Teams are awarded $30K - at least one-third of the funding should go directly to the artist as payment for their time We believe that science is part of culture — and we are interested in continuing to explore how art and science converge. In 2025, we will welcome up to 15 collaborative teams, each composed of an artist, a scientist and a curator or arts producer, to join our next iteration of the Triangle Program, leading with a period of ideation around the theme of “symmetry.” During our inaugural Triangle Program, we learned the value of creating space for artists and scientists to expand their thinking together. This time, we are expanding the time frame for collaboration by introducing a new phase of the Triangle called Open Interval. Open Interval is designed to support a dedicated period of thought partnership and exploration between artists and scientists, facilitated by curators and arts producers who are passionate about the intersection of art and science. This program is an evolution of our partnership with Gibney Dance Studios, where we have seen the value of giving creative collaborations time to breathe without mandated outcomes. This expanded program extends beyond dance and choreography and invites artists from a variety of disciplines to apply. Symmetry has long been a source of study and inspiration in both art and science. Whether as a modeling constraint in computational research, a pattern in nature, a set of conceptual repetitions or a tool for precise measurement, we see symmetry all around us, all the time.
Program Overview
- We are seeking applications from trios — an artist, a scientist and a representative from an arts organization. See program page for additional eligibility details.
- The Open Interval program will run from June–December, 2025, starting with a Collaboration Weekend June 6–8. Each participating team will be awarded a $30,000 grant.
- Over the course of seven months, participants will be supported in structuring their collaboration in whatever way suits them. There are no expected outcomes or artworks.
- This program is intended to support inquiry and exploration that expands how both artists and scientists think and conduct research, with arts organizations acting as hosts and facilitators