Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
Applications are now open for the Conservation Research Project Grants, offered annually to organisations to support conservation research and technical analysis in the field of British art.
These grants are designed to help organisations, galleries, or museums support original and innovative conservation research. Funding may be used to cover the costs of a conservator or research scholar working on a conservation research project or technical analysis leading to a research project.
Applicants must show that their project will include scholarly research relevant to British art studies and that it will have a significant impact on the field. Items involved must be in public or charitable ownership and accessible to the public.
Conservation Research Project Grants offer up to £25,000. Organisations can apply to cover freelance staff costs or provide temporary cover for staff working on the project. Funds may also support research travel and other research-related expenses.
Up to one-third of the project budget can be used for practical costs such as transportation, packing, specialist equipment, or digitisation of resources. The grant is paid in one installment directly to the organisation.
Applicants should disclose any financial support already secured or expected from other sources.
The funding supports research, education, and dissemination of knowledge in British art and architectural history, from the medieval period to the present, across diverse cultural and geographical contexts.
The remit includes art made in Britain or by British artists but is not limited geographically to the British Isles. The scope covers a wide range of topics related to Britain’s artistic and cultural histories.
Grants are not awarded for field archaeology, current architectural practice, or performing arts. Applications involving photography, performance, film, or digital media must clearly show relevance to British art studies.
The grant is open to organisations based both in the UK and internationally.
For more information, visit Paul Mellon Centre.
