Deadline: 06-Mar-2026
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Artistic Creation Program 2026 provides grants of up to €16,000 for professional artists in Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Cinema, and Cross-Disciplinary projects. This open call supports either the creation of a new work or a specific phase of the creative process in Portugal. Applications close on March 6, 2026, with funding disbursed in two installments (80/20).
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is a premier international institution based in Portugal that fosters progress through art and science. Its Artistic Creation Program aims to invigorate the Portuguese cultural landscape by supporting high-quality, relevant artistic projects that push the boundaries of traditional and contemporary mediums.
Why It Matters: Empowering the Creative Process
This grant is unique because it recognizes that the creative process itself is valuable.
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Flexibility: Supports either a finished work or a specific research/development phase.
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Financial Stability: Offers up to 100% project financing, allowing artists to focus on innovation without commercial pressure.
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Career Recognition: Provides institutional validation for professional artists within the Portuguese community.
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Interdisciplinary Focus: Encourages the intersection of different art forms to create new cultural dialogues.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Initiatives that merge at least two disciplines (e.g., Video Art + Dance). The primary discipline must be Performing Arts, Visual Arts, or Cinema.
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Professional Artist-Author: Individuals who earn their living or have significant recognized experience in the arts, excluding amateur or student practitioners.
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Creative Process Support: Funding intended for the research, experimentation, and development phase of a project, even if no public exhibition occurs.
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Tax Domicile: For international artists, this refers to the legal requirement of being a registered taxpayer in Portugal.
Who is Eligible?
Participation is restricted to professional artists integrated into the Portuguese artistic ecosystem.
Eligible Applicants:
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Individual Artists: National or international professionals active in the supported areas.
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Private Non-Profit Organizations: Portuguese entities applying on behalf of artists.
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Residency Requirement: All international/foreign applicants must reside in Portugal and have a Portuguese tax domicile.
Supported Artistic Areas:
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Performing Arts: Dance, theater, and new circus.
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Visual Arts: Drawing, sculpture, photography, performance, painting, and video.
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Cinema: Screenwriting and directing.
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Cross-Disciplinary: Combinations of the above (excluding music, architecture, or design as a primary focus).
Ineligible Projects:
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Commercial, academic, school, or amateur projects.
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Projects focused solely on architecture, design, publishing, or music.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions
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Verify Status: Ensure you are a professional artist with a Portuguese tax domicile.
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Define Project Scope: Decide if you are funding a complete work or a portion of the creative process.
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Prepare Budget: Create a detailed project budget showing that the grant request is between 40% and 100% of the total cost.
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Gather Support Proof: Collect documentation of any existing logistical or financial support.
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Online Submission: Complete the official electronic form at gulbenkian.pt by March 6, 2026.
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Note: The application must be submitted in Portuguese.
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Results: Monitor the MyGulbenkian platform; results are announced by July 17, 2026.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Language Error. Applications submitted in English or any language other than Portuguese will be disqualified.
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Mistake: Budgetary Unfairness. Requesting the maximum €16,000 for a project with very low actual costs is seen as a lack of “budgetary fairness” by the jury.
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Tip: Focus on Consistency. Ensure your career path (CV) aligns with the complexity of the project you are proposing.
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Tip: Check the Timeline. Projects must start within 12 months of September 1, 2026, and finish by December 31, 2028. Plan your milestones accordingly.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for a project that has already started?
No. Projects must be initiated and executed between September 1, 2026, and December 31, 2028.
2. Are music-focused projects eligible?
No. Music, architecture, design, and publishing are specifically excluded as primary project areas.
3. Does the grant cover my studio rent?
Generally, no. Fixed operational costs and space rentals are excluded unless they are strictly necessary and specific to the project execution.
4. I am a foreign artist living in Portugal; can I apply?
Yes, provided you are part of the Portuguese artistic community and have your tax domicile in Portugal.
5. Do I have to produce a finished work?
No. The grant can support a specific part of the creative process without the obligation of a final public presentation.
6. How many applications can I submit?
Each artist or entity is limited to one application per year.
7. When will I receive the money?
If approved, 80% is paid after signing the agreement (July/August 2026), and the final 20% is paid after the final report is submitted and approved.
Conclusion
The Artistic Creation Program 2026 is a vital resource for professionals looking to develop sophisticated artistic work within Portugal. By offering structured tiers of up to €16,000 and emphasizing artistic quality and career recognition, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation ensures the sustainability of high-level creative inquiry. Potential applicants should ensure their projects are well-budgeted and submitted via the official portal by March 6, 2026.
For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.