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Submit a proposal for a six-month artistic research residency exploring depression and mental health as a complex societal phenomenon.
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Get matched →Decoding Depression is a six-month artistic research residency hosted by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) Digital Health Unit, EU Policy Lab, and Centre for Advanced Studies. The program brings artistic practice into dialogue with researchers, scientists and policymakers working on mental health and societal challenges. The selected artist will work alongside JRC researchers and policymakers, using scientific evidence as a starting point for artistic inquiry.
The residency explores depression as a complex societal phenomenon shaped by biological, psychological, social, cultural, natural, built and digital environments, with particular focus on the "environome"—interconnected environments and how they influence mental health and wellbeing. Artists may explore themes including social isolation, inequality, insecure housing, digital exposure, stigma, mobility, care, public space and cumulative vulnerability.
Open to artists and speculative thinkers of any nationality and artistic discipline, provided they are legally able to work in the EU. Applicants should demonstrate artistic excellence, practical experience, distinctive approaches, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary experience, and the ability to engage sensitively with complex social themes. Lived experience of depression—through personal experience, caregiving, or living closely with depression—is a mandatory requirement. Experience in mental health research, data science or digital health is an advantage.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.
Proposals may be research-based, participatory, speculative, site-responsive, narrative, performative, digital or material. Artists from other disciplines are also welcome. Proposals must demonstrate an ethical approach and avoid simplification, romanticisation, stigma or harmful representations. Projects involving testimony or direct participation should include appropriate safeguards.
Applicants must send one combined PDF document by email to [email protected]. Applicants may use AI-assisted tools when preparing their application, but must verify the output, respect intellectual-property requirements and disclose which tools were used. There is no application fee.
Ispra, Italy, with potential visit to Brussels.