OPEN CALL:
Workshops Led by Artist & Researcher Tandems

Applications open until: March 31, 2025
Notification of acceptance: Latest by April 30
Symposium Dates: August 19 – 21, 2025

We are excited to welcome applications for interdisciplinary workshops for EARTHBOUND 2025 – a biennial symposium that weaves together art and science to reimagine how we humans relate to the living world. This year, we dive into the elements of soil and water, exploring their role as the sensuous fundaments for life.

We invite tandems of an artist and/or activist and a researcher to propose and facilitate workshops that explore sensuous, immersive, participatory approaches to the theme of the symposium – more info below.

EARTHBOUND 2025 will take place over three days at Himmelbjerggården (in Ry, near Aarhus) and Moesgaard Campus.

Workshop format

We will select workshops developed and facilitated by a tandem consisting of one artist or activist, and one researcher.
The workshops are an integral part of the symposium and will unfold over three days:

• Day 1 & 2 (August 19 – 20)
  Workshops held at Himmelbjerggården, with 2-3 hours of sessions each day. Each workshop will have a maximum of 10-12 participants. Participants will remain with the same workshop group throughout these two days.

• Day 3 (August 21)
  Earthbound symposium moves to Moesgaard campus, which means that the workshops are intended to engage both returning participants and newcomers. This final session should expand on the workshop’s core themes in an engaging way and involve some form of wisdom transfer from the previous two days.

What We Are Looking For:

We encourage proposals for workshops that:

• Investigate soil and water through interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on perspectives from the arts, sciences, and/or activism.

• Create immersive, participatory formats that engage participants as co-creators of knowledge.

• Address feminist, climate justice, and decolonial perspectives, encouraging reflection and action.

• Bring pre-established collaborations: We encourage (but do not require) submissions from artist/activist-researcher tandems who have collaborated before or are familiar with each other’s work.

In the selection process, we will prioritize:

• Proposals that amplify underrepresented voices.

• Persons with proven experience in their fields and the ability to work independently.

• Workshops that build on interdisciplinary, collaborative methodologies.

If you are selected

In May, the selected tandems will meet online with the curator Christine Fentz and head of production Liene Jurgelāne to exchange and align their preparations with the needs of Earthbound.

More about Christine Fentz (Artistic Director of Secret Hotel) here.
More about Liene Jurgelāne (Head of Production) here.

Budget & Fees

Selected tandems will receive:

• Artist fee: 5000 DKK (excl. VAT) per workshop tandem for all three days + preparation (researchers are assumed to have institutional affiliation; if both are unaffiliated, the fee must be shared).

• Participation in Earthbound 2025, including accommodation and meals during the symposium days.

• Travel cost reimbursement. (Applicants from Nordic and/or Baltic countries should be willing to apply for Nordic Mobility funding, if selected)

Timeline

• Applications open until: March 31, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: End of April 2025
• Online meetings (selected applicants): May 2025
• Symposium Dates: August 19–21, 2025.
  You are also invited to stay for a “restful day-after” for all program contributors on August 22 at Earthwise Residency. 

How to Apply

Submit your proposal by March 31, 2025 by filling in the application form below.
Applications must include:

1. Workshop Proposal:
   Title and description (max 700 characters).
   A brief outline of your workshop concept, approach, and intentions. What do you hope participants will take away? What do you want to explore or test with them?

2. Tandem Information:
   CV (in whatever form you have it, there is no requirement to make something just for this call).
   A short bio for each in the tandem, highlighting relevant experience (max 300 characters)
   Information about your collaboration (e.g., past projects, shared interests – max 700 characters)

For questions, contact Liene Jurgelāne, Head of Production: earthbound@secrethotel.dk