Forms of Engagement and Support
The Institute of Sacred Music invites proposals for cross-disciplinary and integrated work across the three themes and in any of the following forms.
Symposium or Conference (Maximum: $20,000)
A symposium would bring together less than 20 presenters to share work (scholarly, artistic, etc.) around a common theme related to religion, ecology, and expressive culture. The event could be held in person on Yale’s campus or virtually (or some combined hybrid format). An in-person event would ideally be open to the Yale community and broadcast as a livestream or webinar. A virtual event would be open to the Yale community and beyond. The initiative will provide stipends to the participants and fund the costs of travel and lodging (if necessary). Yale staff will assist with event logistics and technical support. Recorded talks will be posted on the initiative’s website.
Webinar Event or Series (Maximum: $3,000)
A webinar option would be a single virtual event or series of virtual events in which speakers or panelists present on and discuss a common theme. Webinars should include time for interaction between speakers and audience. The webinars could be weekly over the course of a month or spread throughout a semester. A successful webinar will include multidisciplinary and multireligious perspectives on a theme. It might, for example, focus on the extraction of resources, the use of water in ritual and activism, or the environmental significance of a work of sacred art. We also encourage proposals seeking to speak to wider publics about issues of ecological significance. The initiative will provide a stipend for participants, offer technical support if needed, and post a recording of the events on our website.
Live or Virtual Performance (Maximum for live event, $10,000; maximum for virtual event $7,000)
Performances will engage religious and ecological themes. They will take place on Yale’s campus or be broadcast virtually (or both). Virtual performances may be live or pre-recorded. We encourage performances to be accompanied by introductions and talk-back sessions. The initiative will fund travel and lodging as well as stipends for participants. Yale staff will assist with event logistics for on-campus events and technical support if needed. Recordings will be shared on the initiative’s website.
Exhibition of Art or Material Culture (Maximum: $15,000)
Exhibitions of art or material culture must engage religious and ecological themes. The exhibition can be virtual or in-person on Yale’s campus (or include elements of each). We encourage exhibitions to be accompanied by workshops, panels, or lectures. For on-campus events, Yale staff will provide logistical support. A stipend will be provided to curators and speakers. Recorded elements and photographs of the exhibition can be posted on the initiative’s website.
Other
We welcome proposals that creatively expand possible forms of engagement beyond those listed above (e.g. public events, podcasts, film, digital humanities projects, etc.). We are especially interested in proposals that aim for public and political relevance. If you are uncertain about an idea, you are welcome to reach out to ISMecology@yale.edu.