Symmetry: A Call for Artists, Scientists and Arts Organizations
At the Simons Foundation, 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
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.
Application Details and Instructions
We are seeking applications from trios — an artist, a scientist and a representative from an arts organization — for consideration in the Open Interval Program. To apply: We ask that the curator/arts producer begin the process by completing this form. We will then send a unique URL with forms for both your participating artist and scientist to fill out.
In the application, all three participants will be asked to share a statement. We will also collect key details from the arts organization, as they will be the body responsible for receiving and administering the grant. From the artist, we will additionally ask for two work samples and for selected press. We recommend that the curator/producer completes their form well ahead of February 20 to give the other two collaborators ample time to submit their applications.
Preview the application questions here.
If you are interested in Open Interval but do not have a full trio, we invite you to submit an Expression of Interest so that we can learn more about you and support you in finding a scientific or artistic collaborator.
Do you have questions? Please join our “Ask Me Anything” webinars on December 13, 2024, and January 15, 2025, to have all of your questions answered ahead of the application deadline. You may also get in touch with us at [email protected].
Application Timeline & Key Dates
December 10, 2024 – Application Launch
January 22, 2025 – Deadline: Expression of Interest forms for incomplete trios
February 20 2025 – Deadline: Applications for the Open Interval Program
March 14–19, 2025 – Interviews for trios who make our finalist round (to be held virtually)
April 8, 2025 – Notifications sent to all applicants
June 6–8, 2025 – The Open Interval Collaboration Weekend, a required program component for all participants
Selection Criteria
- Trios should be regionally co-located, within an easy distance to reach one another and to collaborate in person.
We are seeking artists who:
- have a demonstrated interest in science and/or mathematics, and an authentic desire to collaborate. A formal background in science is not necessary.
- create large-scale or public work that lends itself to collective experience.
- are established or midcareer in their practices.
We are seeking scientists who:
- conduct basic science research at a university or research institution.
- are eager to collaborate and find new cultural expressions for their work.
- think creatively — and see the value in creative collaborations.
We are seeking arts organizations that:
- see the value of art x science collaborations.
- take an active role in collaborating with artists, and prioritize artists’ well-being, empowerment and growth.
- have 501(c)3 status.
FAQs
I am an independent artist. Can I participate in Open Interval?
In order to be considered, you need to apply as part of a trio alongside an arts organization and a scientist. If you’d like to express your interest and are unable to apply with a team, please submit this Expression of Interest Form by January 22, 2024. Where possible, we will offer guidance on finding the missing member(s) of your trio.
Does the Simons Foundation provide project funding for artworks?
Yes — see our 2024 Triangle Program for reference. As a second phase of Open Interval, there will be an opportunity for participants to complete a second application for project funding in late 2025 — but we are intentionally structuring the first phase of the program to support thought partnership and dialogue before focusing on the output.
Is there oversight into how arts organizations spend the $30,000?
We expect at least one-third of the funding to go directly to the artist as payment for their time. We are happy to provide guidance on how to spend the remainder, but will not have fixed requirements.
Is the Open Interval Collaboration Weekend mandatory?
Yes; all participating trios need to join us on June 6–8, 2025, in Upstate New York.
Are there requirements for how artists, scientists and arts organizations should structure the seven months of the Open Interval program?
True to its name, the program has an open structure — and we will not impose rules on how trios use the time beyond the Open Interval Collaboration Weekend. That said, we have some ideas and best practices from previous projects we’ve supported that we will happily share with participants.
If an artist and scientist already know each other, can they apply together?
Yes! We encourage existing collaborators to apply. This program can provide a dedicated period of time to support you in working through new questions and ideas together.
Are there any restrictions on the types of arts organizations that can apply?
Yes — eligible arts organizations need to be based in the United States; need to have 501(c)3 status; and cannot be part of a university.
How will participants be reviewed and selected?
All applications will be reviewed by members of the Science, Society and Culture team at the Simons Foundation, as well as by multiple external reviewers including curators, artists and scientists.
Why is your focus on basic science?
For decades, the Simons Foundation has been dedicated to supporting basic math and science research. Advancing the frontiers of knowledge in discovery-oriented science across mathematics, biology, neuroscience, astrophysics and quantum physics is core to our mission. We know that artists are also interested in exploring the frontiers of knowledge in their areas of expertise and that there are few opportunities for these two worlds to collaborate, so we created one.
