The European programmes for Research and Innovation offer many funding opportunities that are relevant for ZHdK’s research institutes and researchers. Swiss institutions have now regained full access to the current EU Research and Innovation Funding Programme (Horizon Europe). It is therefore of key importance for ZHdK that FP10 is designed in such a way that it truly leverages the potential of the arts as a knowledge domain and acts as an essential tool to support the free movement of research, innovation, knowledge, and education (‘fifth freedom’).
On behalf of the higher arts education and research community and the partners in the CCSI, ELIA urges the European Commission to take into account the following recommendations for the designing of FP10:
- Support for Higher Education and Research as a Pillar of European Democracy
Dedicated EU funding for research and innovation (FP10) for 2028-2034 is needed to support higher education and research institutions, which not only ensure competitiveness but, more importantly, are at the heart of free and democratic societies. - Recognition of the Arts as a Knowledge Domain
The arts offer unique ways of knowing and understanding the world—enriching knowledge systems and contributing meaningfully to research and innovation. FP10 should leverage this potential. - Funding for Excellence in Artistic Research
Artistic research creates room for deep exploration of the role of arts in society—where questioning, experimentation, and disruption lead to fresh insights and intrinsic value. FP10 should support access to funding by artistic research projects. - Nurturing Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries(CCSI)
The CCSI bring vital energy to innovation—shaping ideas, tools, and experiences that resonate across society. FP10 should provide means for the CCSI to remain resilient, enriching the fabric of societies and fulfilling their economic potential. - Addressing Societal Challenges through Artistic and Transdisciplinary Approaches
The arts play a vital role in engaging with today’s most pressing challenges—fostering participation and co-creation, transformation, and innovative forms of problem-solving across disciplines.
ELIA is Europe’s leading multidisciplinary network in higher arts education and research. An expert task force of representatives from ELIA member institutions was established in October 2024, composed of artistic researchers and other experts from higher arts education and research institutions. The task force co-created this paper with the ELIA Team and previously hosted a membership consultation on FP10 at ELIA’s Biennial Conference in November 2024, which further informed the writing process. Beate Böckem, Head of Research Affairs ZHdK, and Florence Balthasar, Head of International Affairs ZHdK, were part of the task force.
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