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Grants for Internationalisation Program in Portugal

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Internationalisation Program 2026 provides travel and subsistence grants of up to €5,000 for Portuguese and Portugal-based artists, curators, and programmers. The program supports international visibility through projects in Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Cinema, and Cross-Disciplinary fields. Applications are open from January 12 to October 31, 2026, on a rolling basis.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has launched its 2026 Internationalisation Program to promote the global presence of Portuguese culture. This initiative funds the travel of creative professionals to participate in artistic projects hosted by leading international cultural institutions, fostering professional growth and cross-border collaboration.

Why It Matters: Expanding Global Artistic Footprints

International mobility is critical for the sustainability of contemporary artistic careers. This program addresses key barriers to international growth:

  • Networking: Connects Portuguese creators with global curators, programmers, and peer networks.

  • Recognition: Increases the visibility of Portuguese artistic production in prestigious international venues.

  • Professional Development: Provides creators with exposure to different institutional models and artistic contexts.

  • Financial Support: Offsets the rising costs of international travel and accommodation for independent creators.

Key Concepts and Definitions

  • Internationalisation: The process of increasing the presence and recognition of an artist’s work outside their home country (Portugal).

  • Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Initiatives integrating at least two distinct artistic disciplines, where the primary focus is Performing Arts, Visual Arts, or Cinema.

  • Host Entity: A leading international cultural institution with regular activity that invites the artist to participate in a project.

  • Tax Residency: Legal status in Portugal required for foreign artists to prove their integration into the local artistic community.

Who is Eligible?

The grant is designed for professional members of the Portuguese artistic community.

Eligible Applicants:

  • Portuguese Citizens: Artists, curators, and programmers residing in Portugal or abroad.

  • Foreign Residents: Artists with tax residency in Portugal who are active members of the Portuguese artistic community.

  • Entities: Portuguese private non-profit organizations applying on behalf of collaborating artists.

Supported Artistic Disciplines:

  • Performing Arts: Dance, theatre, and new circus.

  • Visual Arts: Drawing, sculpture, photography, performance, painting, and video.

  • Cinema: Specifically in the area of directing.

  • Cross-Disciplinary: Projects combining the above (excluding architecture, design, publishing, or music).

Ineligible Projects:

  • Projects within commercial, academic, or school contexts.

  • Projects exclusively focused on architecture, design, publishing, or music.

  • Projects taking place within Portugal.

Funding and Eligible Expenses

The Foundation provides a reference ceiling of €5,000 per project.

Permitted Costs:

  • International travel (flights/trains).

  • Accommodation.

  • Meal expenses (per diems).

Prohibited Costs:

  • Retroactive expenses (costs incurred before application).

  • Fixed operational costs or office rent.

  • Equipment purchase or space rental.

  • Legal fees and communication expenses.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

The application process is continuous but requires strategic timing.

  1. Secure an Invitation: Confirm your participation with an international host entity.

  2. Timing: Ensure you apply at least 30 days before your scheduled departure.

  3. Language: Prepare all application materials in Portuguese.

  4. Documentation: Compile the following mandatory files:

    • Biography of the applicant (artist/curator/programmer).

    • Profile/portfolio of the international host entity.

    • Links or files showing previous relevant work.

    • Detailed project budget.

    • Proof of logistical or financial support from the host or other partners.

  5. Submit Online: Use the official electronic form on the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation website.

Selection Criteria and Assessment

Projects are evaluated by an expert committee based on:

  • Justification: How well the project aligns with internationalisation goals.

  • Clarity: The detail and feasibility of the project description.

  • Artistic Merit: The background and past performance of the applicant.

  • Impact: The potential for professional development in an international context.

  • Host Relevance: The prestige and involvement of the international host institution.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Mistake: Late Submission. Applying less than 30 days before the project starts results in automatic exclusion.

  • Mistake: Music/Design Focus. Ensure your project isn’t primarily about music or design, as these are excluded categories.

  • Tip: Verify Host Status. The Foundation prioritizes “leading international institutions.” Choose hosts with a proven track record in your specific discipline.

  • Tip: Early Application. Since the window is January 12 to October 31 but funds are limited, applying earlier in the year increases the chance of funding before the budget is exhausted.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a project that has already happened? No. Retroactive costs are ineligible. You must apply at least 30 days before the project begins.

2. Is there an age limit for applicants? No. The grant is open to emerging and established creators, provided they have a professional artistic background.

3. Do I need to be a Portuguese citizen? Not necessarily. Foreign artists are eligible if they have tax residency in Portugal and are part of the local artistic community.

4. How is the grant paid? Once the Acceptance Agreement is signed, the grant is paid in a single bank transfer.

5. Can I use the money to rent a gallery space abroad? No. The funds are strictly for travel, accommodation, and meals. Space rental is an ineligible expense.

6. What happens if I don’t finish the project within 12 months? Projects must be completed within 12 months of submission. Failure to do so may result in a requirement to return funds.

7. Can I apply for two different projects in the same year? No. Each artist or entity is limited to one application per calendar year.

Conclusion

The 2026 Internationalisation Program is a vital bridge for Portuguese talent to reach global stages. By covering the essential logistics of international mobility, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation empowers creators to build sustainable, globally recognized careers. Applicants should focus on securing high-quality host partnerships and submitting detailed, Portuguese-language proposals at least 30 days before their travel.

For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.