A new position paper by T6 Ecosystems, developed as a joint contribution from the PACESETTERS and S+T+ARTS EC(H)O projects and building on the policy discussions at the Society for Artistic Research (SAR) 2026 Conference in Galway, calls for stronger recognition of artistic research, Artistic Intelligence, and the Cultural and Creative Industries within the European Union's next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) and future research and innovation programmes.
The paper argues that artistic research should be recognised as a strategic form of knowledge production that strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, supports human-centred innovation, and contributes to democratic participation, sustainability, and Europe's cultural and economic competitiveness.
The paper further outlines a series of recommendations for future EU funding, including stronger support for artistic research within the successor to Horizon Europe, increased investment in Cultural and Creative Industries, improved evaluation frameworks for practice-based research, and closer integration of the arts, science, and technology in addressing societal challenges.
Developed by PACESETTERS and S+T+ARTS EC(H)O projects, the position paper also connects with the work of organisations and initiatives including the Society for Artistic Research (SAR), ARTinRARE, and Culture Action Europe, with support from ELIA.