Open Call 2025

SxAffold (/scaffold/) invites Seattle-based artists to apply for a fully funded week-long workshop aimed at fostering art and science collaborations and creative exchanges. SxAffold will take place at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle between June 2-6, 2025. 

Apply by April 20, 2025. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 25, 2025.

APPLICATION CLOSED

SxAffold is a week-long workshop bringing together scientists and artists with the aim of fostering future art-science projects and collaborations. A cohort of 3-4 artists will visit The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center  in Seattle, Washington, in order to become acquainted with scientific research and develop a network for future collaborations with scientific labs. During the workshop, artists will work closely with Hutch scientists and researchers to develop ideas, themes, and methodologies for future interdisciplinary art-and-science projects. The workshop will also include professional development opportunities for scientific partners (PIs) to learn about how to apply for funding and host artists in their labs.

SxAffold is organized by Callie Chappell, Nasa Sinnott-Armstrong, and Rodrigo Guzman-Serrano.

Seattle-based artists working on any medium and at all career stages are invited to apply. A cohort of  3-4 artists will be selected via the open call.* 

We are looking for artists who are excited about exploring the intersection of art and science, working collaboratively with scientists, developing new approaches to their creative practice, and contributing to interdisciplinary dialogues. Previous experience in art-and-science collaborations is not required (SxAffold’s goal is to provide artists with access to scientific research settings and labs). Applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated interest in art and science, potential for meaningful engagement with scientific concepts and methods, commitment to collaborative work environments, and the program’s commitment to diversity.

*See FAQs at the bottom of the call.

• Application form.

• Portfolio. A link to your portfolio featuring 3-5 recent artworks or projects. A CV is not required, but a list of recent exhibitions or residencies may be included in the portfolio.

• Statement of Purpose. A 500-word statement explaining your motivation for participating in SxAffold. Explain your thoughts about collaborations between art and science.

• Experience and Perspective. A 500-word statement about your previous experience and access to laboratory spaces or scientific environments if any. If you have no previous experience, what would it mean for you and your artistic practice to have access to scientists in a scientific research environment?

• Week-long encounter with a group of scientists and artists at Fred Hutch, which will include talks, workshops, and “lab shadowing”. 

• A $500 stipend.

• Food for the duration of the workshop (either as small per diem or communal meals).

• Application opens. March 29, 2025.

• Application closes. April 20, 2025. April 25, 2025.

• Notification of acceptance. Early May, 2025.

• SxAffold encounter. June 2-6, 2025.

Please write us an e-mail to admin@sxaffold.org. Follow us on Instagram @sxaffold

I have no experience with art-and-science collaborations, can I still apply?

Yes! SxAffold is intended for artists looking to engage with science in a critical and meaningful way. Previous experience with science is not required.

What type of artists are you looking for?

Seattle-based artists working on any medium and at all stages of their careers are welcome to apply. Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s interest in art-and-science collaborations regardless of previous experience or access to scientific research.

Can collectives apply?

Yes, however, the group/collective should choose only one representative to participate in SxAffold.

Can students apply?

Students currently enrolled in an accredited degree-seeking program in art practice (BFA or MFA) in the Seattle area are welcome to apply.

I am an international artist, can I still apply?

Unfortunately, this year’s SxAffold encounter is limited to artists based in Seattle.

Since SxAffold will take place at Fred Hutch, will the encounter be about cancer research? 

No, artists working on any topics related to art and science are welcome to apply. However, the scientist partners artists will be paired with all work on research generally related to cancer, biotechnology, or infectious disease. You can read more information about our scientist partners on our website.

What can we expect from the workshop in terms of scientific equipment and methodologies?

At SxAffold, artists will have the opportunity to work directly with scientists and the members of their research laboratories. The specific scientists and the equipment available in their labs are available on our website. If specific equipment is necessary for your art practice, please let us know.