Applications Open for Exhibition Publication Grants

The Paul Mellon Centre’s Exhibition Publication Grants support organisations producing publications linked to exhibitions and displays that advance research on British art, visual culture, and architecture. Eligible applicants can receive up to £6,000 to cover publication-related costs, including images, production, contributor fees, and translation expenses.

Overview of the Paul Mellon Centre Exhibition Publication Grants

The Paul Mellon Centre Exhibition Publication Grants invite applications from organisations developing publications connected to exhibitions and displays focused on British art.

The programme supports projects that communicate new research, provide fresh perspectives, and contribute to broader understanding of British art, visual culture, and architecture.

Publications may relate to upcoming exhibitions or exhibitions that have already taken place, provided they contribute meaningful research outcomes.

Purpose of the Exhibition Publication Grants

The main objective of the programme is to support the publication and dissemination of high-quality research connected to British art.

The grants aim to:

Encourage research-based exhibition publications.
Increase access to scholarship on British art.
Support innovative approaches to presenting research.
Promote knowledge sharing among academic and public audiences.
Strengthen research communication through exhibitions and publications.

Research Areas Supported

The programme supports publications focused on:

British art.
Visual culture.
Architecture.
Exhibition-based research.
Practice-based research connected to British art.

Applicants must explain how their publication contributes to the wider field of British art research.

Funding Details

Successful applicants can receive funding of up to:

Maximum Grant Amount:
£6,000

The grant supports eligible publication-related expenses, including:

Image costs.
Publication production costs.
Author fees.
Artist fees.
Designer fees.
Translation costs for original materials.

Applicants must clearly explain requested costs in the project budget.

Eligible Applicants

The programme is open to:

Organisations.
Institutions.
Nonprofit organisations.
International organisations.

Collaborative applications involving two or more organisations are encouraged.

For collaborative projects, applicants should clearly identify roles and responsibilities among participating organisations.

Supported Publication Projects

Eligible projects may include:

Exhibition catalogues.
Research publications linked to displays.
Publications presenting new scholarship.
Practice-based research publications.

Projects may be connected to:

Upcoming exhibitions.
Existing exhibitions.
Research-led cultural programmes.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Publication details.
Project description.
Clear budget.
Referee information.

Applications must be completed through the Paul Mellon Centre’s application system.

Applicants submitting practice-based research projects must follow the relevant programme guidance.

Assessment Process

Applications are reviewed through a two-stage assessment process.

First Stage Review

Initial applications are assessed by a subcommittee of the Paul Mellon Centre Advisory Council.

The review considers:

Research quality.
Publication relevance.
Contribution to British art studies.
Project feasibility.

Final Assessment

The highest-scoring applications proceed to review by all members of the Advisory Council.

Final decisions are communicated after completion of the assessment process.

Selection Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

Research Contribution

Projects should demonstrate how publications contribute to knowledge and research on British art.

Publication Quality

Reviewers consider:

Strength of publication concept.
Research value.
Editorial approach.
Potential audience impact.

Project Feasibility

Applicants should provide:

A realistic budget.
Clear publication plans.
Appropriate timelines.

Knowledge Dissemination

Strong applications should explain how publications will reach audiences and support wider engagement with British art research.

Eligible Expenses

Grant funding may support:

Image and Production Costs

Funding may cover:

Image permissions.
Publication production expenses.
Printing-related costs.

Contributor Fees

Support may include payments for:

Authors.
Artists.
Designers.
Other contributors.

Translation Costs

Translation expenses related to original publication materials may also be eligible.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen proposals by:

Clearly explaining the research importance of the publication.
Showing how the publication supports British art scholarship.
Providing a detailed and realistic budget.
Explaining the target audience.
Demonstrating strong publication planning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Providing unclear publication objectives.
Submitting incomplete budgets.
Failing to explain research contribution.
Not describing how audiences will engage with the publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Paul Mellon Centre Exhibition Publication Grants?

The grants support organisations producing exhibition-related publications that share research on British art, visual culture, and architecture.

How much funding is available through the programme?

Applicants can receive up to £6,000 for eligible publication costs.

Who can apply for Exhibition Publication Grants?

Organisations, institutions, nonprofits, and international organisations can apply.

Can international organisations apply?

Yes. International organisations are eligible to submit applications.

What types of publications are supported?

The programme supports publications connected to exhibitions, displays, and research projects focused on British art.

Can collaborative applications be submitted?

Yes. Applications involving two or more organisations are welcomed.

What costs can the grant support?

Funding can support image costs, production expenses, contributor fees, and translation costs.

Are completed exhibitions eligible for funding?

Yes. Publications connected to exhibitions that have already taken place may also be considered.

How are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed through a two-stage process involving a subcommittee and the full Paul Mellon Centre Advisory Council.

Conclusion

The Paul Mellon Centre Exhibition Publication Grants provide valuable support for organisations sharing new research on British art through exhibition-related publications. With funding of up to £6,000, the programme helps institutions create high-quality publications that expand access to research, encourage cultural engagement, and strengthen scholarship in British art, visual culture, and architecture.