OPEN CALL:European ArtEast Foundation Research Grants

European ArtEast Foundation (EAEF) is inviting proposaIs for grants for research focused on Eastern European artists working in the region in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The purpose of these grants is to give art historians and curators the opportunity to carry out ambitious research projects that will make a significant contribution to the field of art history in Eastern Europe. The Foundation’s goal is to stimulate a nuanced understanding of the history and legacy of modernism in Eastern Europe and to bring attention to overlooked artists who were important in their time but had no international exposure due to the specific political context.

Research Grant Brief

We are interested to receive proposals to study artistic activity in Eastern Europe between approximately 1948 and 1968. The themes of the research are open and are not limited to a particular artistic tendency or medium but should target relevant movements, or unique artistic positions. The area of interest, Eastern Europe, was once easily definable, but the dissolution of Cold War blocks, rapid change in the post-communist world and the growth of the EU altered this. Proposals should focus on artistic activity in the former communist block, the area between the Baltic and Adriatic seas. The researcher should determine and describe their research methodology and this should be appropriate to the study proposed. We encourage ambitious and novel research proposals that address new concepts and techniques and those with the potential for significant artistic impact.

We are particularly interested in research that has a tangible outcome, for example an exhibition, a series of workshops or lectures, a book or a film. Proposals should demonstrate a plan, or potential, for dissemination of the research. This might include to a specialist audience, through academic conferences or publishing, or to a more general audience. A written report, and / or other documentation where appropriate, outlining the research undertaken and the findings should be submitted to EAEF upon completion.

Who is eligible to apply?

The call is primarily to academic researchers in art history and curators, although artists or researchers from other disciplines can apply where they can demonstrate that the proposal contributes to an art historical context. We are keen to encourage fresh ideas from new researchers and appropriate proposals are welcomed from those with limited research experience.

The applicant can be based anywhere.

Doctoral and post-doctoral researchers are eligible to apply as are researchers applying on behalf of cultural or academic institutions.

Joint applications with a collaborator or co-researcher are also eligible however please note that grants will be awarded per proposal.

About European ArtEast Foundation

The Foundation aims to provide a global perspective on Eastern European art and culture, and to encourage the development of projects that expand the discourse around modern and contemporary art from this region. Despite under-representation in, and a lack of access to, the international art world during the Soviet era many post-war artists still boldly developed their own vision independently from the standardized canon of Socialist

Realism. The Foundation has a particular interest in encouraging the rediscovery of seminal Eastern European artists from the 1950’s and 1960’s and maintaining their legacy. It also embodies the values of patronage as a context and framework to encourage creativity, innovation and cultural production among contemporary artists.

Please see our website for more information on our programme of work.

Support available and criteria

The Foundation will award up to three research grants of between £3000 and £6000.

Proposals should outline how the grant will be spent; eligible expenses include researcher fees / salary costs, travel and subsistence.

Our decisions will be based on a number of criteria including the quality, relevance of subject, potential impact and value for money of the proposal.

Timeline

Application deadline:  4/6/18 till 5pm

Awards announced by: 16/7/18

The final report on the completed research should be submitted by 31/3/19

Please note that we may contact shortlisted candidates for further information or clarification during the selection process.

INSTRUCTIONS ON SUBMISSION

Applicants are required to submit:

1. Research proposal of a maximum of 1,000 words
2. Brief work plan
3. Comprehensive CV
4. Two work samples (can include writing samples or practice-based documentation)

Your proposal should include a description of the research project and a plan for the dissemination of the research. It should also provide a strong indication of how this project relates to your practice and the evolution of your work, and an explanation of your interest in the themes of the proposal.

Please submit your work samples as ONE SINGLE FILE under 4MB.

Your proposal and work samples should be sent as two attachments to opencall@europeanarteast.com with YOUR SURNAME | YOUR FIRST NAME | EAEF

Proposal in the subject line.

Please also name your files:

YOUR SURNAME | YOUR FIRST NAME | EAEF | Proposal

YOUR SURNAME | YOUR FIRST NAME | EAEF | Work samples

Only the email attachments will be reviewed by the jury so please do not send any important text in the body of the email.