PhD in Artistic Research

The Academy of Fine Art
Artistic practice—in the broadest sense—is at the heart of studies at the Academy of Fine Art. The academy’s roots are in a studio-based tradition, as the basis for experimenting with new ways of making, discussing and exhibiting art. The academy has a faculty of internationally-acclaimed artists. Working across a variety of media, materials and approaches, students are supported in their practice of exploring what it means to be an artist in the twenty-first century.

For 2025, the academy has two vacancies for PhD scholarships within the field of contemporary art.

At the Academy of Fine Art, we embrace conceptual and contemporary socio-political issues within and outside the exhibitory format. We are deeply invested in the relationship between art and society and take a keen interest in practices that—by virtue of their dedication to diversity, equity and social justice—catalyze structural change and reform the infrastructure of knowledge. 

The Academy of Fine Art brings together artists from various backgrounds, countries, fields, genders, and generations, creating a dynamic environment for artistic discourse. Our approach to artistic research is anchored in individual practices, as well as independent thinking processes connected to radical developments within international art communities, with the potential to lead to collective actions. 

We are looking for candidates who: 
–Are challenging ontological givens within the arts and breaking new ground when exploring contemporary issues, particularly in the relationship between art and its place in society, including diasporic cultures, technologies of power, and propensity to address pressing issues of our times within their respective artistic medium.
–Have an established artistic practice with a solid international exhibition record and/or who can prove the impact of their work in its locality, for example by virtue of a strong local anchoring in their communities.
–Possess several years of experience as practicing artists post-MA (or equivalent) education.
–Are committed to actively participating in our community at the academy in Oslo and possess a track-record of having successfully participated in collective processes elsewhere. 
–Are residing in or willing to relocate to Oslo.

We offer 
The PhD research fellowship is a three-year full-time position. The position’s starting salary is NOK 532,200.00 per annum.  The new research fellows will take up the positions from October 1, 2025.

Contact information
For more information, please contact dean Antonio Cataldo, e-mail: antocata [​at​] khio.no. For general information on the PhD program, please visit PhD in artistic research (khio.no). For technical questions related to submission of application material, please contact HR, e-mail: rekruttering [​at​] khio.no (please mark the e-mail with “Position as doctorate fellow – Contemporary Art”). 

The Oslo National Academy of the Arts
The Oslo National Academy of the Arts is the largest academic institution for artists and designers in Norway. It consists of six departments: the Academy of Dance, the Design department, the Academy of Fine Art, the Art and Craft department, the Academy of Opera and the Academy of Theatre.

Read more and apply for the positions here.