The Food Lab Fellowship 2027 in the Netherlands is now open for international applicants seeking a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of food, sustainability, art, ecology, and cultural research. Hosted by the prestigious Jan van Eyck Academie in collaboration with Maastricht University, this fully funded fellowship offers creative practitioners the chance to engage in advanced artistic and scientific research focused on global food systems.
This highly competitive residency program is designed for artists, designers, researchers, and interdisciplinary practitioners who are passionate about food-related themes and sustainable futures. The fellowship encourages innovative thinking, collaborative experimentation, and research-driven creative practices that address pressing global challenges surrounding food production, ecology, and cultural identity.
The fellowship will run from January 15 to December 15, 2027, offering selected participants nearly one full year of immersive artistic and academic engagement in the Netherlands.
Overview
The Food Lab Fellowship is part of a broader European cooperation initiative that aims to promote sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transformative artistic research. Fellows will work within a vibrant creative environment alongside artists, curators, writers, designers, and researchers from around the world.
Participants will critically investigate food systems and their connections to culture, migration, environmental sustainability, agriculture, and communal histories. Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative projects that challenge traditional perspectives on food and propose regenerative approaches for the future.
The selected fellow will gain access to advanced research tools, interdisciplinary labs, expert mentorship, and collaborative opportunities with scientists and sustainability researchers.
Benefits
The fellowship provides generous financial and institutional support to help participants fully focus on their research and creative work during the residency period.
Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend of €1,750
- Annual working budget of €2,250
- Travel support up to €750
- Private studio space
- Access to research laboratories and production facilities
- Collaboration opportunities with researchers and experts
- Participation in exhibitions, workshops, and public programs
- Access to academic resources and specialized libraries
In addition, approximately 80% of the fellowship stipend is exempt from income tax, making the financial package even more attractive for international participants.
Duration
The Food Lab Fellowship 2027 will take place over an 11-month residency period:
- Start Date: 15 January 2027
- End Date: 15 December 2027
Selected fellows are expected to reside in Maastricht or nearby areas during the program.
Research Areas and Themes
The fellowship strongly supports interdisciplinary and experimental research connected to food and sustainability. Applicants may focus on a variety of themes, including:
- Global food systems
- Food politics and ecology
- Sustainable agriculture
- Regenerative food practices
- Biodiversity and environmental change
- Food culture and migration
- Community food histories
- Circular economies
- Climate change and food security
- Agro-ecological innovation
Creative practitioners are encouraged to combine artistic research with scientific inquiry to generate meaningful dialogue and impactful outcomes.
Facilities and Research Environment
One of the strongest aspects of the Food Lab Fellowship is the access participants receive to world-class facilities and interdisciplinary research environments.
Fellows will have access to:
- Food research labs
- Future materials labs
- Nature research facilities
- Photography and audiovisual studios
- Printing and publishing workshops
- Fabrication labs
- Scientific research tools
- Specialized libraries and archives
The collaboration with the System Earth Science department at Maastricht University also provides opportunities to work with sustainability experts, food researchers, and ecological scientists.
Eligibility Criteria
The Food Lab Fellowship 2027 welcomes applications from international candidates with strong artistic or research-based practices related to food and sustainability.
Applicants must:
- Be artists, designers, or interdisciplinary creative practitioners
- Demonstrate strong interest in food-related research
- Present a new or ongoing research project
- Show innovative and critical engagement with food systems
- Be available for the full residency period
- Apply individually
The fellowship does not accept group applications. Former full-time participants of certain Dutch residency institutions may not be eligible.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally required to prepare the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- Detailed project proposal
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Portfolio of previous artistic or research work
- Supporting multimedia links if applicable
All application materials must typically be submitted in English. Portfolios should showcase recent work and clearly demonstrate the applicant’s artistic direction and research interests.
Accommodation Information
Selected fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation during the residency. However, the hosting institution may provide guidance and support to help fellows secure housing in Maastricht or nearby areas.
Living in the Netherlands offers an enriching international experience with access to diverse cultural communities, modern infrastructure, and strong academic networks.
Why You Should Apply
The Food Lab Fellowship 2027 stands out as one of the most innovative artistic residency opportunities in Europe. Unlike traditional scholarships or academic fellowships, this program combines artistic experimentation with scientific collaboration to address urgent global food challenges.
Participants will become part of an international network of creatives and researchers dedicated to sustainability, ecology, and transformative thinking. The residency also provides a rare opportunity to develop independent projects while receiving financial support and institutional mentorship.
For artists and designers interested in food justice, environmental sustainability, cultural storytelling, and regenerative futures, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform for growth and international exposure.
Application Deadline
The deadline for application is 4 June 2026
Apply here
Link: https://www.janvaneyck.nl/calendar/food-lab-fellowship/
Also read: EUI Traineeship 2026
