Call for the MAKE/SENSE PhD Programme 2026

The Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW, in collaboration with the University of Arts Linz, invites applications to the three-year practice-based PhD programme MAKE/SENSE. Rooted in infrastructural critique, situated artistic research, and critical media approaches, MAKE/SENSE supports doctoral projects that engage with practice-based forms of reading and writing and explore what research can be, whom it serves, and how it may contribute to new publics and social imaginaries. The PhD is carried out in partnership between Basel and Linz and hosted by the Critical Media Lab at the Institute Experimental Design and Media Culture in Basel. Supervision is provided jointly by faculty from both institutions. The programme combines individualized mentoring with monthly colloquia and an annual assembly. Public events and collaborations with external partners complement the programme. Please note that doctoral positions in the programme are not funded.

Underscoring the unique character of the FHNW are a combination of teaching and applied research, and interdisciplinary collaboration with industry partners. The complementary perspectives facilitate differentiated understanding and action in a rapidly evolving world. The focus is on exchange and collaboration.

• Applications are welcome from artists, curators, publishers, designers, and cultural organisers holding an MA degree (120 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification.

• Motivation letter listing 2 preferred supervisors and rationale, plans for financing the PhD (need for support to external funding applications or grants you plan to apply for) (2 p. A4)

• Project outline (2–3 p. A4, excl. references) including: research question, short state of the art, relevance and topicality regarding areas of concern (at least one), proposed methods and proposed outcomes

• Curriculum Vitae

• Portfolio (art/design/curatorial/writing samples)

• MA and BA diplomas (incl. transcripts)