Submissions open for Seed Award

Deadline: 08-Jan-2026

The Seed Award supports emerging artists and cultural practitioners worldwide who engage socially, politically, or environmentally to strengthen communities and free expression. Each recipient receives €5,000 to advance their practice through residencies, workshops, creation time, and materials. The award prioritizes originality, transformative potential, inclusivity, and impact, especially for artists with minimal institutional support.

Overview

The Seed Award, administered by the Prince Claus Fund, invites applications from emerging artists and cultural practitioners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. It is designed to nurture innovative, socially or politically engaged practices, providing financial support to help recipients strengthen their artistic and cultural impact.

Purpose and Objectives

The Seed Award seeks to:

• Support emerging talent with 1–5 years of professional experience

• Foster socially and politically engaged work that contributes to civil society, free expression, structural equity, participation, or environmental sustainability

• Strengthen artistic and cultural practice through targeted financial and developmental support

• Encourage transformative impact, helping artists initiate conversations, build communities, and inspire change

Award Benefits

Each recipient receives €5,000, which may be used for:

• Participation in residency programs, festivals, and workshops

• Time and space for creative production without financial pressure

• Materials and resources for ongoing artistic work

• Compensation for collaborators

Ineligible expenses: Tuition for academic or formal education programs, scholarships, or traditional school/university fees.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be early-career artists with 1–5 years of professional experience

• Have a socially, politically, or environmentally engaged practice

• Have received minimal institutional support

• Be based in eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Originality: Innovative, artistically interesting work

• Context-specific engagement: Address pressing local social or political issues

• Inclusivity: Practices that strengthen communities and resist marginalization

• Transformative potential: Ability to start conversations, build communities, or generate social impact

• Impact: Projects that can be significantly strengthened by the grant and have not yet received widespread recognition

Special attention is given to diversity, geographical representation, and quality of practice, while recognizing that certain countries (Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, India, Indonesia, South Africa) often have disproportionately high application numbers.

How to Apply / Application Process

1. Complete the online application form with personal and practice details

2. Submit a video or audio pitch (up to 3 minutes) explaining your motivations and practice

3. Provide a signed reference letter including contact details

4. Attach an updated CV and supporting materials (work samples, reviews, interviews)

5. Submit materials in English; other languages allowed for supporting files with English subtitles

Selection Process

The process has four phases:

1. Longlist: Applications meeting eligibility criteria are compiled

2. Shortlist: External advisors assess longlisted candidates based on selection criteria

3. Final Selection: Award recipients are chosen, emphasizing impact, engagement, and quality of practice

4. Contracting & Communication: Recipients sign contracts, receive the €5,000 grant, and submit additional materials for public announcement

Timeline

• Application Deadline: To be confirmed; submit all materials in English

• Outcome Notification: Mid-July 2026

• Public Announcement & Contracting: September 2026

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on core themes, disciplines, and methodologies of your practice

• Keep your video or audio pitch concise and compelling

• Highlight community impact, innovation, and transformative potential

• Ensure supporting materials showcase professional engagement and originality

• Provide clear documentation and references

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Seed Award?

Emerging artists and cultural practitioners with 1–5 years of professional experience based in eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

2. How much funding does the award provide?

Each recipient receives €5,000 to support development of their artistic and cultural practice.

3. What expenses are covered?

Residencies, workshops, creation time, materials, and collaborator compensation. Academic tuition and scholarships are not covered.

4. Can I submit my video or materials in my native language?

Yes, but English subtitles are required for non-English content.

5. How are applications assessed?

Applications are evaluated on originality, context-specific engagement, inclusivity, transformative potential, and impact.

6. When will recipients be announced?

Applicants will be informed by mid-July 2026, with public announcement and contracting in September 2026.

7. Can applicants who have previously received other awards apply?

Yes, but priority is given to those who have not yet received widespread recognition.

Conclusion

The Seed Award provides emerging artists and cultural practitioners with the resources and visibility to expand their socially and politically engaged practice, develop innovative projects, and make meaningful contributions to communities and civil society. By offering financial support and recognition, the award helps amplify new voices and ideas in global cultural landscapes.

For more information, visit Prince Claus Fund.