Arts - Worlds in action, worlds in reflection

The call for projects aims to support partnership teams working on reflective projects on societal issues in all their forms of expression. It encourages collaborative research that proposes innovative ways of showcasing and disseminating knowledge to feed public debate and decision-making. It is aimed at researchers from all disciplines of the humanities and social sciences who are developing projects in partnership with artists and cultural practitioners. These cross-relationships foster new practices, methodologies, and knowledge creation to document social phenomena. Researchers, artists, and cultural practitioners play a crucial role in experimenting with new ideas and in the collective reflection on societal issues, as well as in the dissemination of the knowledge produced.

Projects may fall under one of the following indicative areas, which are not exhaustive:

• International circulation of works and objects, actors and knowledge
• Artistic creations and performances in scientific knowledge
• Challenges of the performing and heritage arts in authoritarian and illiberal regimes
• Representation and questioning of social norms through artistic practices

In 2025, special focus will be given to projects addressing the complex issue of art restitution and, more generally, the circulation of cultural property on a global scale. All dimensions of this ‘international relationship’, whether cultural, diplomatic or legal, and all the meanings that can be given to it, can be explored. Collaboration with communities, civil society organisations, heritage institutions, and public authorities is strongly encouraged.

The projects, supported over a period of 3 years, will receive support between €15,000 and €30,000.

The call for projects, open to all topics in the humanities and social sciences, is part of the Arts programme of the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l'Homme, and is being developed in partnership with the Fondation Calouste Gulbenkian, delegation in France.

Objectives of the call

The call for projects "Arts - Worlds in action, worlds in reflection" aims to:

• Foster synergies between researchers in the humanities and social sciences and professionals in the artistic and cultural fields, enabling mutual enrichment of practices and the development of collaborative networks.

• Support research projects where arts and sciences intersect, moving beyond the mere artistic showcasing of scientific activity.

• Encourage the emergence of ambitious projects in their early stages, with particular attention given to methodological rigor and the clarity of research questions during the selection process.

Eligibility criteria

• The call is open to researchers from all disciplines within the humanities and social sciences.
• The principal coordinator must be a statutory member of a French research institution or higher education establishment, which will host the project for its duration. Other scientific participants may include doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, or tenured academics, based in France or abroad.
• Projects must be in their initial phase and led by an international research team working closely with stakeholders from the artistic and cultural sectors (e.g., artists, museum professionals, exhibition curators, collectors, philanthropists). Participation from intercontinental partners is especially encouraged.
• Any topic related to the Arts programme is eligible without restriction.

Selection Criteria

Projects will be evaluated by an ad hoc scientific committee, which will give particular attention to:

• The originality of the research question, approach, and expected outcomes.
• The international and interdisciplinary scope of the project.
• The involvement of early-career researchers.
• The active participation of artistic and cultural stakeholders (artists, museum professionals, exhibition curators, collectors, philanthropists) as well as institutional actors (intergovernmental organisations, public authorities, etc.).
• Co-financing from partner institutions, which will be considered an asset.
• Approaches where artistic creation serves as a genuine form of knowledge production rather than merely a means of research dissemination.

Practical and Financial Terms

• The financial support is granted for a period of three years.
• Each project will receive between €15,000 and €30,000 over this period.
• The funding covers project-related expenses (e.g., travel, accommodation, meetings, workshops, artistic production), excluding personnel costs.
• A formal agreement will be established between the FMSH and the coordinating institution.

Support from FMSH Departments

The various FMSH departments offer tailored support to help laureates promote and disseminate their project results:

• Media & Sciences: Produces and disseminates research through videos, photographs, and podcasts. Depending on the project, it can assist researchers in exploring alternative research formats (interviews, reports, photo exhibitions, etc.) and provide training in filming and sound recording.
• Press Department: Assists in planning and organising events at the FMSH (e.g., a series of journalist-led discussions) and promotes them in general and specialised media, facilitating potential interviews.
• Éditions de la MSH: Guides laureates from the outset in selecting appropriate dissemination formats, such as publications or mooks.
• Digital & Research: Offers personalised support in choosing digital tools and technologies suited to the project, including databases, generative AI, and project management solutions.
• Maison Suger: Hosts invited foreign researchers involved in selected projects and provides space for events and workshops.
• Training & Workshops: Practical and interactive training sessions may be offered based on project needs.

Application file

The application file must include: It is important to note that applications are submitted via an online platform, and files that are incomplete or do not correspond to the call will not be presented to the selection committee.

• A detailed presentation of the project (form attached to the call) ;
• A provisional budget with a precise timetable (form attached to the call) ;
• The CV of the coordinator and team members with publications (maximum 3 pages per CV);
• A bibliography related to the project.

Obligations of the Beneficiary

• An interim report must be submitted annually, along with a final report at the project's conclusion.
• The teams commit to presenting their work at the FMSH (conference, round table, exhibition, screening, etc.).
• The coordinator must inform the FMSH in advance of all events organised within the project.

Communication Requirements

• The FMSH logo must appear on all communication materials.
• The financial support of the FMSH must be acknowledged in all written or oral communications (programmes, posters, reports, participant documents, articles, etc.).
• The beneficiaries must notify the FMSH communications department at least two weeks in advance of any major event (symposium, seminar, publication, exhibition, etc.) to ensure optimal visibility and impact.

Submission of Application and Timetable

To submit your application:

• Go to http://projets.msh-paris.fr and access the "Project workspace".
• Log in or create an account if you don’t have one.
• Complete your profile under "Project manager contact information", then click "Create a project".
• Select "Support for scientific projects - Calls 2025".
• Choose the call: "ARTS Call - Worlds in Action, Worlds in Reflection - 2025".
• Fill in all required information about your project and specify the team coordinator and members.
• At the bottom of the project page, upload a single PDF document named "ARTS Call - Worlds in Action, Worlds in Reflection - 2025", including the completed application form).