SUAVEART, a research-based curatorial institution, focuses on environmental, nonhuman perspectives, and nonplace issues within island contexts, exploring the intersection of art, science, and life. Since 2008, our focus has been on Southeast Asian regional contemporary art. Established in Taiwan in 2015, we create and produce experimental cultural and interdisciplinary collaborations. The curated project footprints are among Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, and others.

Currently, SUAVEART is part of Europa Nostra, Climate Heritage Network, and Gallery Climate Coalition. We are deeply committed to addressing the practices and fostering dialogue around climate change, ecological environment, and cultural heritage.

We are seeking collaborator(s) to support our program in the coming year!

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Position: Part-time Research Collaborator
Contract: 10 February ~ 31 May, 2025
Closing date: 31 January, 2025
Salary: £250~£350 (Depending on final subsidy)
Location: Remote

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Project Introduction 

The project “Edible Cities, Mobile Rivers” delves into the rich and intricate relationships between dietary culture, migration histories, economic networks, and climate environments that have shaped human civilization. From ancient times to modern days food culture—rooted in the edibility of grains, the boundaries of urban and rural spaces, and the mobility of migration and environmental flows—has profoundly influenced the evolution of human cuisine and cultural identity.

Grains and their derivatives are not only staples of human sustenance but also vivid reflections of migration patterns, economic systems, and the complex interplay of climate, environment, and humanity. In the face of global warming, shifting climates, and extreme weather, innovative agricultural practices such as the cultivation of perennial grains like Kernza and winter camelina are paving the way for more sustainable food systems. At the same time, changing hydrological cycles and urban water sources are reshaping grain cultivation and fermentation processes, highlighting the deep connections between environmental change and human consumption.

As part of this project, we aim to explore and reimagine these narratives through artistic methods. Collaborating with artists and curators, we will examine how food narratives not only reflect but also shape cultural landscapes and foster environmental care.

Role Description  

As we are a small team and are running this as a non-profit program, we are looking for passionate researchers to join us in this journey. If you are curious about the intersections of food, art, culture, and environmental sustainability, this is your opportunity to contribute to innovative and impactful ideas. The researcher will assist in research, workshops, and events, gaining hands-on experience in merging creative practices with social and ecological themes.

As a Collaborator, you will:

• Develop expertise in project management, event coordination, and research methodologies.
• Collaborate with curators, artists from different artistic backgrounds, and cultural professionals, building valuable connections and networks in the art world.
• Involve in the creative process of developing research structure, and workshop demonstration at the international conference if the collaborator is based / will be in Boston during the period 7-9 March, 2025.
• Engage in cross-cultural facilitation and curatorial practices, supporting innovative approaches to storytelling and artistic expression.
• Deepen your understanding of tracing the history of grain migration, food production, the development of contemporary cityscapes, and the intersections of diverse food culture and environmental change.

This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary project at the forefront of art, technology, and social discourse, culminating in a global presentation.

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Job Responsibility

1) Research

• Co-conduct online research on grain migration histories in the Boston region between the 17th to 20th centuries; the relationship between city water and food forests; and environmental topics relevant to the “Edible Cities, Mobile Rivers”.
• Integrate research materials into reports, attend regular meetings throughout the research and development process, and compile findings to support curatorial narratives and the creation of outputs. 
• Assist with transcribing interview content into report materials, while overseeing proofreading and editing.

2) General Administration

• Support organizing project documentation, and maintaining events, workshops, and exhibition schedules.
• Outreach to Boston’s local community for potential collaboration. 
• Provide logistical support for the Boston conference and food-related archival research.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous research experience in topics related to migration, food culture, environmental sustainability, or related fields.
• Experience in academic writing, including developing well-organized research frameworks, refining content through meticulous editing, and ensuring accuracy and coherence through thorough proofreading.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team, contributing to the overall success of the project. Confident in presenting ideas and collaborating with a team.
• Proficient in office software (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft Office).
• Comfortable with social media platforms and digital marketing tools for promotional tasks.
• Awareness and respect for cross-cultural perspectives and the ability to facilitate conversations on diverse cultural identities.
• Strong passion for Arts, Food, Culture, Environmental Sustainability, Social Impact, and Technology, including interest in research, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.

Desirable

• Familiarity with academic research methodologies or the ability to conduct literature reviews and data analysis.
• Strong writing skills, especially content for blogs, exhibition statements, or promotional materials.
• Ability to craft engaging narratives or educational content related to the project themes.
• Comfort engaging with diverse communities and fostering inclusive, and respectful conversations. 
• Be able to travel to the Boston conference to support the presentation in person.

This position will start on 10 February and finish on 31 May, with a commitment of 10 hrs per week, and be distributed over two days. Working hours might include weekends.

*To apply for this role, please ensure you have access to a reliable internet connection and necessary equipment for remote work.

*And please make sure of your availability to commit to the part-time role until the end of the project.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (max. 2 pages), entails a little statement about yourself and your reason for applying for this role to Sharo via itssuaveart@gmail.com.

We will be aiming to invite shortlisted candidates to attend an informal interview between the 3- 5 February and announce on the 7 February, that any changes will be informed via email.

Applications will be accepted until 31 January, 2025.⁠

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Photo credit: The background image is part of publication “Tomorrow’s Practice”