Research in arts and sciences

Aware of the challenge of finding space and time for study and research, bluefactory supports professional artists upstream of the production phase of their projects. Within the bluefactory ecosystem, artists can take advantage of research residencies that give them working time to innovate and reflect on their projects.

As a host structure in partnership with the University of Fribourg, bluefactory defends the interests of artists, both local and from elsewhere, by financially supporting the research period and/or by promoting integration into existing grants and research support programmes.

RESEARCH RESIDENCIES AT BLUEFACTORY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF FRIBOURG

What bluefactory offers

• Financial remuneration: the artists are employees and bluefactory assumes their financial support (remuneration and employer’s share of social security contributions). The daily wage is 250 francs gross/person/day or 280 francs/person/day for people with self-employed status. Any other needs or additional costs will be borne by the participants.
• Workspaces (different types of spaces available depending on the time of year)
• Support in promoting the research (video coverage and/or photos, etc.)
• Support during the residency (networking, advice, etc.)

For whom?

Professional artists from all disciplines (e.g. performing arts, visual arts, music, sound creation, digital arts, literary arts, etc.), in conjunction with a scientist from the University of Fribourg, on a project involving research combining arts and sciences (including humanities and social sciences).

When?

We accommodate artists and scientists in our facilities for research purposes from April to the end of 2026. Bluefactory will respond to all applications in February 2026.

Want to apply?

The selection is made based on an application. You can send your application to culture@bluefactory.ch  with the following documents:

• Statement of intent and motivation for the research project in arts and sciences (max. two A4 pages): research axes, artistic and scientific disciplines concerned, duration of residency (between five and 20 days of research), desired work scheduling.
• Evaluation of the total remuneration of the artists involved according to their status and the conditions specified above. (max. 20 days of paid research to be distributed).
• Scientific candidate(s) to support the research (at least one person connected to the University of Fribourg).
• Technical and logistical specifications for research spaces (offices, private space, etc.)

For any further information, you can contact us at culture@bluefactory.ch or by phone on 026 422 14 28.

Deadline for submission of applications

January 15, 2026 – Incomplete applications are not considered.

Arts and sciences programming

Each season, bluefactory gives public presentations of interdisciplinary projects led by artists or collectives who combine artistic practices and scientific approaches.

Agenda & ticketing

Find the public programme on insitu.live

Culture Strategy

Yesterday: experimentation phase

From the beginning, bluefactory has worked as an incubator of cultural innovation by adopting a participatory approach and offering fertile ground for multidisciplinary projects. This form of “permaculture” has encouraged the emergence of artistic and social initiatives, led by local and international artists who have benefited from a flexible and welcoming environment that favours experimentation.

Today: structuring

BFF SA’s cultural management has carried out in-depth analysis of these accumulated experiences. The new strategy is based on these findings and aims to highlight culture at bluefactory as an interdisciplinary laboratory combining arts and sciences.

The new strategy takes a long-term approach to culture at bluefactory and will be giving it a strong identity. By promoting hybrid projects, at the crossroads of arts, sciences and experimentation, the aim is to position culture as a lever for societal transformation. Firmly rooted in the region, the foundation will also seek to cultivate an ambitious national and international reach.

Tomorrow: consolidation

From 2026, bluefactory is opening a new chapter in its development with the creation of a legal structure dedicated to artistic and cultural activities. The mission of this new foundation is to develop, operate and promote all the district’s cultural activities, while mobilising new funding levers.

Having experimented with temporary spaces, the priority is now to develop permanent configurations to meet artistic needs. The Silo is to play a central role in the district’s cultural offer, complemented by other proposed spaces to continue long-standing cultural partnerships.

More information:

You can find the press release on our dedicated page!