The Triangle Program brings science and art together to engage audiences in creative ways. Artists who participate in the program engage in meaningful collaborations with scientists and producing partners to spark new ideas and explore untapped connections between their disciplines — with each participant forming one part of a triangle.
The Triangle Program takes place in two phases. First, selected trios of artists, scientists and producing partners engage in a multi-month period of exchange and exploration called Open Interval. By allowing dedicated time for collaboration without requiring immediate outcomes, we aim to advance the research practices of both artists and scientists and to make space for new ways of knowing.
Open Interval participants who generate ideas for new artworks can apply for Triangle project funding at the conclusion of the first phase. We support projects that investigate connections between art and scientific research. Our selection process focuses on artworks that communities can experience in large groups at no cost. The Triangle Program seeks to help build a robust infrastructure for future artist-scientist partnerships across the United States.
The inaugural awardees created artworks inspired by the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, as part of the In the Path of Totality initiative. Learn more about the eclipse-inspired collaborations here.
Triangle Program Guiding Principles
- Artist-led process. We put the artist at the center of this initiative. Interested applicants should be prepared to drive the conceptual, creative vision for the work. Ambitious artists who actively seek new opportunities for expression will thrive in this program.
- Collaboration as an engine. We support generative collaborations that begin without an outcome in mind so that both artists and scientists have space for discovery.
- Art as a collective experience. We are looking for opportunities to engage large groups — outdoor artworks, art in public space and performances in high-capacity venues are all of interest.
- Art in many forms. We are open to a variety of artistic formats and welcome interdisciplinary artists to apply. Successful past projects have spanned visual art, sound art, installations, interactive art and sculpture.
- Research that yields discovery. We hope to steward collaborations with scientists whose focus areas align with the basic science research aims of the Simons Foundation and those who explore discovery science more broadly — including mathematics, neuroscience, biology, physics, cosmology, ecology and more.
- Diverse people, diverse practices. We aim to work with participants with diverse, intersectional identities. BIPOC and LGBTQIA participants are encouraged to apply.
- Relevance to community. We are interested in arts organizations that are embedded in their local communities and can create meaningful, responsive programming that activates Triangle artworks in their local context.
If you have questions about this program, contact [email protected].
Photo credit: Guadalupe Maravilla at Waterloo Park by Sarah Annie Navarret