The Crosscurrents Incubator will convene a small, dynamic group of artists, designers, educators, scientists, scholars, cultural leaders, policy makers, and community partners at Atelier de la Nature in Arnaudville, Louisiana for an immersive, four-day experience from November 10–13, 2026.

Sponsored by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences and Atelier de la Nature, this incubator is designed to move beyond conversation and towards action. If you’re interested in imagining—and building—more resilient futures for the Gulf, we encourage you to apply.

Together, participants will explore how creative, scientific, and community-based knowledge can intersect to address urgent environmental, health, and social challenges across the Gulf region. Rooted in the Gulf’s cultural richness and ecological complexity, this will be a space to think boldly, connect deeply, and build new pathways forward.
This is not a traditional conference. It is a working environment—intimate, collaborative, and generative—where participants will:

• Form new cross-disciplinary partnerships
• Test and develop bold, early-stage ideas
• Shape practical approaches to research, engagement, and education

Following the convening, participants will be invited to submit proposals for seed funding to advance collaborations emerging from the incubator. Up to three grants will be awarded, totaling $45,000.

Participation is limited and by application only. We are intentionally curating a cohort that brings together diverse perspectives and a shared openness to collaboration.