Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Mobility Grant is designed to strengthen the international presence of Finnish and Finland-based contemporary art professionals. It supports the presentation of existing artworks abroad and encourages global networking in the contemporary art sector.
The programme prioritizes internationalisation by enabling artists and art professionals to participate in exhibitions, fairs, seminars, and collaborative art-related events outside Finland.
Programme Objectives
The Mobility Grant aims to:
- Support international presentation of contemporary artworks
- Increase global visibility of Finnish and Finland-based artists
- Strengthen international networking in the art sector
- Facilitate participation in art fairs and invitation-based events
- Promote cross-border collaboration in contemporary art
- Enhance long-term international career opportunities
Key Focus Areas
The grant supports:
- International exhibition and presentation of existing artworks
- Participation in international art fairs
- Invitation-based seminars and professional events
- Networking activities for artists and art professionals
- Building international collaborations and partnerships
Eligible Applicants
The following can apply:
Individuals
- Contemporary artists
- Art professionals and experts
- Working groups based in Finland
Organisations
- Associations
- Foundations
- Cooperatives
- Trading companies
- Limited companies
Requirement:
- Activity must clearly support international engagement outside Finland
Eligible Costs
The grant may cover:
- International travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Transport, packaging, and insurance of artworks
- Assistant costs (including accessibility support)
- Participation fees for art fairs or invitation-based events
- Additional costs related to eco-friendly travel options
Ineligible Costs
The grant does NOT cover:
- Salaries, fees, or personnel costs
- Honorariums
- Artistic production or creation costs
- Project development or research costs
- Per diems or daily allowances
- Living expenses
- Purchased services or general operational costs
- Materials or equipment purchases
- Studio, space, or gallery rental fees
- Exhibition participation fees charged directly to artists
- Studies, theses, or academic work
- Travel within Finland
- Activities involving non-Finland-based artists
Funding Details
- Minimum grant: €250
- Maximum grant: €5,000
- Funding depends on scope and international activity plan
- Focus: Mobility and international visibility (not production)
How the Grant Works
The process generally includes:
- Planning an international presentation or networking activity
- Ensuring eligibility of activity outside Finland
- Preparing application with cost breakdown
- Submitting proposal for evaluation
- Assessment based on international impact and feasibility
- Funding awarded within €250–€5,000 range
- Execution of international mobility activity
- Reporting after completion
Key Priorities
The grant prioritizes:
- Internationalisation of Finnish contemporary art
- Cross-border cultural exchange
- Professional networking in global art markets
- Visibility at international platforms and events
- Sustainable and eco-conscious mobility practices
- Strengthening Finland’s contemporary art ecosystem globally
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for production or creation costs instead of mobility
- Including events or exhibitions within Finland
- Requesting funding for ineligible personnel costs
- Submitting applications without international scope
- Including non-eligible artists not based in Finland
- Misclassifying artistic work as travel support
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly define international destination and purpose
- Demonstrate relevance of event (fair, exhibition, seminar)
- Provide a detailed and realistic travel budget
- Emphasize networking and collaboration outcomes
- Show how participation increases international visibility
- Ensure alignment with mobility-focused objectives only
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Mobility Grant?
- It is a Finnish funding programme supporting international mobility in contemporary art.
- It focuses on exhibitions, fairs, and networking abroad.
- It does not fund artistic production or creation.
- Who can apply?
- Artists and art professionals based in Finland
- Working groups and contemporary art organisations
- Various legal entities such as associations and companies
- How much funding is available?
- Between €250 and €5,000
- Based on scope of international activity
- What costs are covered?
- Travel, accommodation, and transport of artworks
- Participation fees for international events
- Accessibility support and eco-friendly travel costs
- What costs are not covered?
- Salaries, production costs, or materials
- Any activity based in Finland
- Exhibition fees charged directly to artists
- What is the main goal of the grant?
- To increase international visibility of Finnish contemporary art
- To support global networking and collaboration
Conclusion
The Mobility Grant is a targeted funding programme that supports Finnish contemporary art professionals in expanding their international presence. By funding travel, logistics, and participation in global art events, it strengthens cross-border collaboration and enhances the visibility of Finnish artists in the international contemporary art scene.
For more information, visit Frame Contemporary Art Finland.
