The Institute for Contemporary Art Research (IFCAR) is the research unit of the Department of Fine Arts a at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). Founded in 2005, the institute is dedicated to artistic research and also pursues closely associated research in the field of contemporary art. IFCAR is one of the world’s leading institutes in the field of artistic research.
The institute initiates, carries out and publishes research projects, fosters professional discourse among international specialists as well as public debates — the latter in particular through actions, events and exhibitions on research-relevant topics, research findings and their contexts. Besides research and development, IFCAR’s core tasks include the provision of services and knowledge transfer. The institute carries out commissioned research-based projects and provides expert advice. Its researchers teach on postgraduate and further education programmes. IFCAR is a stimulating environment for PhD students and supports researchers with submitting research applications to external funding bodies.
IFCAR fosters the exchange of knowledge and international cooperation with artists and research institutions in both artistic and scientific disciplines. Special attention is given to intercultural relations. Project partnerships with institutions, foundations, the public sector, companies, NGOs and private individuals are the rule rather than the exception.
IFCAR has around 30 members of staff. Research projects are undertaken or supervised by artists and professors, who usually also teach at ZHdK. Headed by Prof. Christoph Schenker since 2005, IFCAR sees itself as a centre of excellence for artistic research.