A unique research residency in Europe is now open for applications, and it is not your typical academic fellowship. The Jan van Eyck Food Lab Fellowship 2027 in the Netherlands is inviting artists, designers, and creative researchers to explore global food systems through an interdisciplinary lens.
Hosted by the Jan van Eyck Academie in collaboration with Maastricht University, this program offers a full-year residency focused on sustainability, food culture, and ecological research. It sits at the intersection of art and science, reflecting how creative practice is increasingly being used to address global challenges.
What the fellowship offers
The Food Lab Fellowship provides a structured but flexible support system for selected candidates. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of €1,750, which is partially tax-exempt, helping cover basic living expenses during the residency.
In addition to the stipend, there is a €2,250 project budget dedicated to research and creative development. This allows participants to experiment, test ideas, and build their projects without relying entirely on external funding.
The fellowship also includes up to €750 in local transport support, along with access to studio space, research labs, and specialized facilities. These include greenhouses and experimental food systems environments, which are central to the program’s focus.
However, accommodation is not included. Applicants are expected to arrange their own housing, although the institution provides guidance to help fellows settle in Maastricht.
A research-driven creative residency
This is not a degree program or a classroom-based course. The Food Lab Fellowship is designed as a practice-led residency where participants spend 12 months developing a project rooted in food systems and sustainability.
The timeline runs from January to December 2027, giving fellows enough time to move beyond initial ideas and into meaningful research outcomes. The emphasis is on experimentation, collaboration, and real-world engagement rather than formal academic assessment.
What makes this program stand out is its integration with Maastricht University’s System Earth Science department. This collaboration allows fellows to connect artistic work with scientific research, particularly in areas like agro-ecology, climate systems, and environmental data.
Focus areas and themes
The fellowship is built around food as a central theme, but the scope is broader than it might first appear. Applicants are encouraged to explore food in relation to culture, politics, ecology, and sustainability.
Common areas of interest include food security, regenerative agriculture, climate impact on food systems, and cultural narratives around food practices. Projects can be conceptual, research-based, or practice-driven, as long as they engage meaningfully with these themes.
This flexibility allows for a wide range of creative approaches, from visual arts and design to interdisciplinary research combining multiple fields.
Who is eligible to apply
Eligibility is intentionally selective. The fellowship is open to artists and designers who already have an established practice connected to food-related themes.
There are no strict nationality restrictions, making it accessible to international applicants. However, candidates must demonstrate a clear track record of work in areas such as sustainability, ecology, or food culture.
Applications require a detailed project proposal, a portfolio showcasing previous work, and a CV. These documents are submitted as a structured PDF, and they play a central role in the selection process.
How competitive it is
This is a highly competitive fellowship, largely because of its limited capacity. Only one fellow is selected for the 2027 cycle.
The evaluation process focuses on originality, relevance, and the ability to connect creative practice with broader environmental or social issues. Applicants who can bridge art and science in a meaningful way are more likely to stand out.
Unlike larger programs, this is not about volume. It is about finding a single candidate whose work aligns closely with the fellowship’s goals.
Why this program matters now
The Food Lab Fellowship is part of a wider European initiative aimed at rethinking the role of cultural institutions. Funded under the Creative Europe framework, it reflects a growing recognition that global challenges like food security and climate change require interdisciplinary approaches.
By supporting creative practitioners, the program encourages new ways of understanding and communicating complex issues. It moves beyond traditional academic research and opens space for experimentation and alternative perspectives.
In practical terms, it also provides a rare funded opportunity for artists who often struggle to access structured research support.
Financial and practical considerations
While the stipend is competitive for an arts residency, it does not fully cover all expenses, especially when accommodation is factored in. Maastricht, like many European cities, can have varying housing costs depending on location and availability.
Applicants should plan their finances carefully and consider whether the stipend aligns with their living requirements. The additional project budget helps with research costs but is not intended for general living expenses.
For many, the value of the program lies less in financial coverage and more in access to facilities, mentorship, and networks.
Who should seriously consider applying
This fellowship is best suited for creative professionals who are already working with food-related themes and want to deepen their research.
Artists exploring sustainability, designers focusing on ecological systems, and interdisciplinary researchers looking for a non-academic pathway will find this program particularly relevant.
It is less suitable for those seeking structured degrees or fully funded living arrangements. The independence required in this residency means applicants should be comfortable working without rigid academic frameworks.
Application deadline and final thoughts
The deadline to apply for the Jan van Eyck Food Lab Fellowship 2027 is June 4, 2026. Given the detailed application requirements and competitive nature of the program, early preparation is essential.
For the right candidate, this fellowship offers something rare. A full year to explore ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with one of the most pressing global topics of our time.
It may not offer full financial coverage, but it provides something equally valuable. Time, space, and institutional support to create work that connects art, science, and the future of food.