Art Platform Grant for Contemporary Visual Arts Organisations

Deadline: 05-Feb-2026

The Art Platform Programmes Grant provides €50,000 per year over two years to support start-up organisations in contemporary visual arts. The grant enables high-quality programmes, including exhibitions, lectures, and discussion gatherings, while fostering audience engagement and adherence to fair practice, diversity, and governance codes. Eligible organisations must operate in the Netherlands or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and have a programme running for less than five years.

Overview of the Grant

The Art Platform Programmes Grant aims to strengthen emerging art organisations by funding structured programmes that enhance contemporary visual arts presentation and audience development. The grant supports initiatives that plan multiple artistic presentations over a two-year period and encourages compliance with the Fair Practice Code, Culture Governance Code, and Diversity & Inclusion Code.

Key Focus Areas

• Supporting start-up art platforms in contemporary visual arts

• Implementing programmes of exhibitions, lectures, and discussion gatherings

• Enhancing audience engagement and outreach

• Applying fair practice, cultural governance, and diversity & inclusion standards

• Contributing to high-quality and varied contemporary visual art offerings

• Strengthening cultural infrastructure in the Netherlands and Caribbean regions

Funding Details

• Grant amount: €50,000 per year

• Duration: Two calendar years

• Number of grants: Up to 10, subject to budget availability

• Minimum 10% of structural costs must be covered by third-party contributions or own income

Eligibility Criteria

• Organisations starting up in contemporary visual arts

• Legal entities only; must not have operated a programme for more than five years

• Art platforms with either frequent or non-frequent activities (exhibitions, lectures, discussions)

• Activities must take place in the Netherlands or Caribbean part of the Kingdom

• Must actively contribute to cultural presentation and audience development in the region

Ineligible Activities & Organisations

• Activities already funded or to be funded by another Mondriaan Fund grant, National Culture Fund, or policy-based financing

• Institutions for further art education

• Sector and umbrella organisations

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility and ensure your organisation has legal status and a programme under five years

2. Prepare a programme plan detailing exhibitions, activities, audience engagement, and governance practices

3. Demonstrate at least 10% of structural costs covered by external funding or own revenue

4. Submit application through the official Mondriaan Fund portal by the stated deadline

5. Ensure all planned activities occur within the Netherlands or Caribbean Kingdom region

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Applying with organisations running programmes for more than five years

• Proposing activities already funded by other grants or cultural policy mechanisms

• Failing to document contributions covering at least 10% of structural costs

• Omitting compliance with Fair Practice, Governance, or Diversity & Inclusion Codes

• Ignoring location requirements for activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Start-up organisations in contemporary visual arts with legal status in the Netherlands or Caribbean Kingdom.

2. What is the grant amount? €50,000 per year for two years.

3. How many grants are awarded? Up to ten, depending on budget availability.

4. Can educational or umbrella organisations apply? No, only start-up art platforms are eligible.

5. Are programmes outside the Netherlands or Caribbean Kingdom eligible? No, activities must take place within these regions.

6. How much of the structural costs must be self-funded? At least 10% through external contributions or own income.

7. What types of activities are funded? Exhibitions, lectures, discussion gatherings, and other contemporary visual arts programming.

Conclusion

The Art Platform Programmes Grant empowers emerging visual arts organisations to develop high-quality, structured programmes that enhance artistic presentation and audience engagement. By supporting start-ups in the Netherlands and Caribbean Kingdom, the programme strengthens the cultural landscape, encourages innovation, and promotes best practices in governance, diversity, and inclusion.

For more information, visit Mondriaan Fund.