Cavendish Arts Science Fellowship 2026 — £10,000 grant and residency in Cambridge for artists

This fellowship creates a space where artists can move beyond their usual ways of working and explore new ideas through collaboration with researchers.
The programme takes place in Cambridge, UK, and lasts for one year. During this time, the artist combines remote work with periods at the university and gains access to the research environment and academic context.

What the programme offers
The programme combines funding with conditions for developing new artistic work.
The artist receives a grant of £10,000, which covers essential expenses and makes it possible to focus on their practice.
In addition, a production budget of £10,000 is provided for the development of new works. This is a rare case where not only participation but also the creative process itself is funded. Accommodation and meals at Girton College are provided for the duration of the residency in Cambridge. Travel expenses of up to £3,000 are also covered, depending on the participant’s country.

Who is it for
The scholarship is open to artists from different countries and with different levels of artistic experience. There are no restrictions on medium or subject matter. A particularly important point is that the programme does not require any prior experience in scientific research. On the contrary, it is aimed at artists who wish to step outside their usual environment and try new approaches.
It is suitable for those who:
— are open to experimentation
— work with ideas, not just form
— are open to collaboration with scientists and interdisciplinary dialogue

How the programme works
The fellowship runs from October 2026 to October 2027. The format is flexible and combines in-person residency with remote work.
Time spent in Cambridge ranges from six months to a year and can be split into several visits, while the rest of the time the artist works independently.
Participants become part of the Cavendish Laboratory community and interact with physicists and researchers from other fields.
The programme focuses not only on the outcome but also on the process. Developing new ideas and evolving practice through experimentation are key.

How to apply
Applications must be submitted via the online form on the programme’s website.
It is important to prepare all materials in advance, as the form cannot be saved or completed later.
The application must be completed in English. If necessary, you may use a translation, but the interview will be conducted in English.
Following the initial selection, a shortlist is formed, and selected artists are invited to an online interview on 22 July — this is the final stage of the selection process.

Important points to note
The scholarship covers part of the costs. Despite the generous budget, it is important to take personal expenses into account and plan participation in advance.
Accommodation and meals are covered only during the stay in Cambridge, while the rest of the time the artist works independently.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and have completed their studies by the start of the programme.

Why this is a great opportunity
It is one of the few programmes where artists work not in an art institution, but in an academic environment. This context transforms not only the project itself, but also the way of thinking.
For artists who want to move beyond the boundaries of their discipline and explore new ways of working, this can become a point of transition.

The deadline for applications is 16 May 2026.