Tech Fellowship Programme 2026

In the ceramics workshop, residents can work autonomously to execute a design in ceramics or explore what the material could mean in their practice. The available expertise supports both pragmatic solutions and in-depth investigation, in various materials and sizes up to two meters high. Pieces can be finished with a wide range of glazes. The workshop also offers facilities and external collaborations to experiment with glass. The ceramics workshop aims to work only with recycled materials by the end of 2028.

Technical specialist: Marianne Peijnenburg

The programme consists of two parts:
– Learning in the workshops (2 days a week)
– Research (2 days a week)

Learning in the workshop

As a tech fellow, you will work closely with your mentor – the technical specialist of the ceramics workshop – and learn how to work as a specialist/advisor with resident artists in the workshop.

Research plan

You are expected to conduct a self-initiated research project that expands your knowledge of materials, craft or new techniques, and contributes to the broader field of technical practice.
A key of your research plan should be a focus on sustainable methods applicable in the wider field and especially in the ceramics workshop. A research proposal must be submitted as part of your application.

Throughout the year, there are internal presentations and evaluations, resulting in a final (public) presentation and a research report.

Who can apply?

Young and mid-career artists with advanced knowledge of – and a strong interest in expanding their skills in the field of crafts, materials and/or techniques can apply.

You must have experience in ceramics in the broadest sense. You have an independent, curious work attitude. You enjoy working with others and sharing knowledge and can work in an international community.

You are available four days a week during the period, living in The Netherlands at the moment of applying and during the Tech Fellowship year 2026, and registered as self-employed.

What do we offer?

• A trainee/research programme in the workshops
• Personal guidance and coaching by the mentor of the Tech Fellowship Programme
• Possibility to attend workshops, lectures, seminars relevant to the development of the discipline
• Exchange with other institutions/libraries/ collections
• Shared workspace/office with the other fellows
• A compensation of € 22,000 for twelve months on an invoicing basis

Individual learning goals and objectives are determined in consultation at the start of the programme. The most important criteria are the artistic and technical knowledge of the fellow, the submitted plan, the ambition to conduct and document research, to increase ones own knowledge, the desire to contribute to the work of others and the anticipated added value for the field.

Find more information on the ceramics workshop here.

Also referred to as the ‘theory workshop’, the Rijksakademie holds an extensive library, as well as art collections and archives. The library, in combination with the art collection, primarily functions as a resource. It provides artists (and other users) with the tools to do research and find inspiration in books, films and other material. It’s also a meeting place where disciplines intersect, people connect, and knowledge is exchanged. A space for asking questions, sharing insights, and generating new, accessible forms of knowledge, stories, and networks.

Specialist: Marietta Dirker

The programme consists of two parts:
– Learning in the workshops (2 days a week)
– Research (2 days a week)

Learning in the workshop

As a fellow, you will work together with your mentor, the specialist of the theory workshop (also the librarian), and learn about the content and scope of the theory workshop and how to work with the (technical sides of the) material, the accessibility of the data and the users of the library.

Research plan

You will conduct research into possible ways of activating materials in the library and collection. The collection includes books, prints, drawings, plaster casts, paintings, medals, audio, video and photography. From the start of the Rijksakademie (in 1870) the objects relate to the institute and the needs of the artists, with subjects ranging from the classical antiquity to the present. Together with works from former teachers, students and residents, it tells stories of art, artistry and artists.

The form of the research and output should be focused on creative ways of optimising the activities of the collections itself. These optimisations ideally lead to increased engagement with – and visibility of the collections, stimulating and promoting (different) use of the material, of the data and the theory workshop, effectively resulting in an increased dynamic within the workshop. The project requires working with the diverse forms of information as mentioned above.

Research can be on for instance visualising narrative: how objects and books are embedded in stories, can be seen as representatives of time, society, ideas and tradition. This may take a thematic approach, examining connections within the institute, the city, or around specific subjects, ideas or interpretations. At its core, the aim is to share these insights – both within and beyond the Rijksakademie.

As part of your application, you are expected to submit a research plan proposing an original approach within the scope of the research area outlined above.

Throughout the year, there are internal presentations and evaluations, resulting in a final (public) presentation and a research report.

Who can apply?

Young and mid-career artists or designers with knowledge of – and strong interest in special collections and archival practices, can apply. You have an independent, curious work attitude. You enjoy working with others and sharing knowledge and are able to work in an international community.

You are available four days a week during the period, living in The Netherlands at the moment of applying and during the Tech Fellowship year 2026, and registered as self-employed.

What do we offer?

• A trainee/research programme in the workshops
• Personal guidance and coaching by the mentor of the Tech Fellowship Programme
• Possibility to attend workshops, lectures, seminars relevant to the development of the discipline
• Exchange with other institutions/libraries/ collections
• Shared workspace/office with the other fellows
• A compensation of € 22,000 for twelve months on an invoicing basis

Individual learning goals and objectives are determined in consultation at the start of the programme. The most important criteria are the artistic and technical knowledge of the fellow, the submitted plan, the ambition to conduct and document research, to increase ones own knowledge, the desire to contribute to the work of others and the anticipated added value for the field.

Find more information on the library/collection here

The media lab offers the possibility to work and experiment with a broad range of digital and analogue media such as photography, film, video, sound, 3D, AI, electronics and physical computing. It consists of a workshop and several facilities, most of which are accessible 24/7. In the facilities it is possible to shoot videos and photos, work with natural and artificial light, chroma keying, record sound in high quality, 2D and 3D scanning, video and sound editing, 3D modelling, and more. The equipment desk provides all kinds of A/V tools, such as video and photo cameras, audio equipment, light and presentation gear.

Technical specialists: José Miguel Biscaya and Mauricio van der Maesen.

The programme consists of two parts:
– Learning in the workshops (2 days a week)
– Research (2 days a week)

Learning in the workshop

As a tech fellow, you will work together with your mentor, the technical specialist of the media lab, and learn how to work as a specialist/advisor with resident artists in the workshop.

Research plan

Your research should be looking at relevant technological developments, explore creative, interdisciplinary possibilities, their impact on the art practices and the artists and focus on sustainability and ethical questions, with a strong focus on immerging digital tools. For this you submit a research plan.

Throughout the year, there are internal presentations and evaluations, resulting in a final (public) presentation and a research report.

Who can apply?

Young and mid-career artists or designers with advanced knowledge of – and interest in expanding their skills in the field of crafts, materials and/or techniques, can apply. You must have great experience in artistic AV productions (in a broader sense) and interdisciplinary projects. You feel comfortable working with cameras, sound and light but you also have some experience in working with AV manipulation tools and 3D programmes. You should possess some basic experience in coding, AI, AR, VR and 3D printing. You have an independent, curious work attitude. You enjoy working with others and sharing knowledge and can work in an international community.

You are available four days a week during the period, living in The Netherlands at the moment of applying and during the Tech Fellowship year 2026, and registered as self-employed.

What do we offer?

• A trainee/research programme in the workshops
• Personal guidance and coaching by the mentor of the Tech Fellowship Programme
• Possibility to attend workshops, lectures, seminars relevant to the development of the discipline
• Exchange with other institutions/libraries/collections
• Shared workspace/office with the other fellows
• A compensation of € 22,000 for twelve months on an invoicing basis

Individual learning goals and objectives are determined in consultation at the start of the programme. The most important criteria are the artistic and technical knowledge of the fellow, the submitted plan, the ambition to conduct and document research, to increase ones own knowledge, the desire to contribute to the work of others and the anticipated added value for the field.

Find more information on the media lab here

In the paint workshop residents are advised on the use of synthetic resins, the development of surface structures, conservation methods and much more. Experimentation with various techniques, old and new, is a very important aspect. There is a dust-free spray cabin and a space to stretch very large format canvases.

Technical specialist: Arend Nijkamp

The programme consists of two parts:
– Learning in the workshops (2 days a week)
– Research (2 days a week)

Learning in the workshop

As a tech fellow, you will work together with your mentor, the technical specialist of the paint workshop and learn how to advise artists on craft, technique or material and how to run a technical workshop. 

Research plan

You do research on material databases, online recipe databases and other initiatives, and create a (physical) database in the paint workshop of nontoxic, non-chemical, biodegradable and sustainable alternative materials for artists. You will submit a research plan for this. 

Throughout the year, there are internal presentations and evaluations, resulting in a final (public) presentation and a research report.

You are available four days a week during the period, living in The Netherlands at the moment of applying and during the Tech Fellowship year 2026, and registered as self-employed.

Who can apply?

Young and mid-career artists with advanced knowledge of and interest in expanding their skills in the field of crafts, materials and/or techniques can apply. You must have experience in working/experimenting with paint, plastic, rubber, silicones, glue. You have an independent and curious work attitude. You enjoy working with others and sharing knowledge and can work in an international community.

What do we offer?

• A trainee/research programme in the workshops
• Personal guidance and coaching by the mentor of the Tech Fellowship Programme
• Possibility to attend workshops, lectures, seminars relevant to the development of the discipline
• Exchange with other institutions/libraries/collections
• Shared workspace/office with the other fellows
• A compensation of € 22,000 for twelve months on an invoicing basis

Individual learning goals and objectives are determined in consultation at the start of the programme. The most important criteria are the artistic and technical knowledge of the fellow, the submitted plan, the ambition to conduct and document research, to increase ones own knowledge, the desire to contribute to the work of others and the anticipated added value for the field.

Find more information on the paint workshop here

Graphics and photography form the main body of the print workshop, within which a wide variety of techniques are possible. Artists can work with analogue methods such as etching, lithography and screen printing, as well as digital processes like large-format inkjet and risograph printing. These can also be combined with bookbinding tools to create publications.

Multidisciplinary projects and collaborations between workshops are welcomed.

In the print workshop, a sustainable and environmentally friendly attitude is self-evident. Research and experimentation take precedence over production.

Technical specialist: Pieter Verweij

The programme consists of two parts:
– Learning in the workshops (2 days a week)
– Research (2 days a week)

Learning in the workshop

As a tech fellow, you will work together with your mentor, the technical specialist of the print workshop, and learn how to advise artists on craft, technique and/or material and how to run a technical workshop.

Research plan

Your research should preferably focus on one component from the wide range of techniques and media within the field of print. For this you submit a research plan.

Throughout the year, there are internal presentations and evaluations, resulting in a final (public) presentation and a research report.

Who can apply?

Young and mid-career artists and designers with advanced knowledge of and interest in expanding their skills in the field of crafts, materials and/or techniques can apply.

You have experience in working with printmaking and/or photographic techniques. You are also familiar with relevant software and are interested in digital developments in the field of print. Affinity with and knowledge of paper and/or textiles as a medium is desirable.

You are used to working collaboratively and able to work independently.

You are available four days a week during the period, living in The Netherlands at the moment of applying and during the Tech Fellowship year 2026, and registered as self-employed.

What do we offer?

• A trainee/research programme in the workshops
• Personal guidance and coaching by the mentor of the Tech Fellowship Programme
• Possibility to attend workshops, lectures, seminars relevant to the development of the discipline
• Exchange with other institutions/libraries/ collections
• Shared workspace/office with the other fellows
• A compensation of € 22,000 for twelve months on an invoicing basis

Individual learning goals and objectives are determined in consultation at the start of the programme. The most important criteria are the artistic and technical knowledge of the fellow, the submitted plan, the ambition to conduct and document research, to increase ones own knowledge, the desire to contribute to the work of others and the anticipated added value for the field.

Find more information on the print workshop here

Adhesives

Gluing and bonding are important topics within every technical workshop.

This particular subject is cross-disciplinary, which is why we are looking for a tech fellow to conduct research into the use of adhesives within multiple workplaces at the Rijksakademie.

From mounting photographs and applying paint to metal surfaces to creating specialised wood joints – decisions about how to bond materials are made daily, and solutions are rarely the same. Per workshop and discipline, we want to list and test sustainable and ecological alternatives.

The programme consists of two parts:
– Learning in the workshops (2 days a week)
– Research (2 days a week)

Learning in the workshop

As a tech fellow, you will work together with your mentor(s) and learn how to advise artists on craft, technique and/or material and how to run a technical workshop.

Research plan

Your research will span all workshops and involve a wide range of materials: metal, wood, ceramics, paper, plastics, and more.

Preference will be given to research that involves non-toxic, natural, biodegradable, and sustainable materials for artistic use.

You will be required to submit a research plan.

Throughout the year, there will be internal presentations and evaluations, resulting in a final (public) presentation and a research report.

Who can apply?

– Young and mid-career artists and designers with advanced knowledge of and interest in expanding their skills in the field of crafts, materials and/or techniques can apply.
– You have experience in working with a wide range of materials.
– You have a basic knowledge of clean chemistry.
– You are both flexible and reliable.
– Experience in artistic collaborations and affinity with artistic practices are desirable.

You are available four days a week during the period, living in The Netherlands at the moment of applying and during the Tech Fellowship year 2026, and registered as self-employed.

What do we offer?

• A trainee/research programme in the workshops
• Personal guidance and coaching by the mentor of the Tech Fellowship Programme
• Possibility to attend workshops, lectures, seminars relevant to the development of the discipline
• Exchange with other institutions/libraries/collections
• Shared workspace/office with the other fellows
• A compensation of € 22,000 for twelve months on an invoicing basis

Individual learning goals and objectives are determined in consultation at the start of the programme. The most important criteria are the artistic and technical knowledge of the fellow, the submitted plan, the ambition to conduct and document research, to increase ones own knowledge, the desire to contribute to the work of others and the anticipated added value for the field.

Find more information on the workshops here.