Applications Open for Art Commission Grant

The Mondriaan Fund Art Commission Grant supports organizations, institutions, public bodies, companies, and other eligible commissioners in creating new publicly accessible visual artworks with professional artists in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The grant provides financial support for one-time commissions, long-term artist collaborations, and development phases of public art projects.

What Is the Mondriaan Fund Art Commission Grant?

The Mondriaan Fund Art Commission Grant supports the creation of new visual artworks that are accessible to the public.

The programme encourages collaboration between:

• Professional visual artists
• Commissioners
• Cultural organizations
• Public institutions
• Private and public partners

The grant helps fund projects that contribute to the development and visibility of contemporary visual art in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

Purpose of the Art Commission Grant

The grant aims to:

• Encourage the creation of new public artworks
• Support professional visual artists
• Strengthen collaborations between artists and commissioners
• Increase access to contemporary visual art
• Promote sustainable artistic partnerships

The programme supports both short-term commissions and long-term artistic collaborations.

Key Areas Supported by the Grant

The Art Commission Grant supports different stages and types of visual art projects.

New Publicly Accessible Artworks

The grant supports the production and presentation of new visual artworks that can be experienced by the public.

Supported projects may include:

• Public art installations
• Visual artworks in shared spaces
• Community-accessible art projects
• New commissioned artworks

One-Time Artist Commissions

The programme supports individual commissions where a commissioner works with an artist to create a new artwork.

Funding can contribute toward:

• Artwork production
• Materials
• Artist fees
• Presentation costs

Long-Term Artist Collaborations

The grant encourages deeper partnerships between commissioners and artists.

Long-term collaborations may last:

• Up to four years

These collaborations support:

• Artistic development
• Ongoing creative exchange
• Sustainable relationships between artists and commissioners

Development and Planning Support

The grant also supports early-stage project development.

This may include:

• Research phases
• Planning activities
• Concept development
• Sketch and preparation stages

Who Can Apply for the Art Commission Grant?

The grant is open to eligible commissioners who want to support the creation of publicly accessible visual artworks.

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals
• Organizations
• Institutions
• Companies
• Public bodies
• Private organizations
• Public-private partnerships

Applicants must intend to commission a professional visual artist to create a new artwork.

Location Requirements

Applicants must be established in:

• The Netherlands
• The Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The commissioned artwork must also be presented in one of these locations.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Create new visual artwork
• Be accessible to the public
• Not be intended for commercial profit
• Include collaboration with a professional visual artist

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants cannot apply:

• Individual artists applying for their own artwork
• Art education institutions
• Post-graduate institutions
• Commercial art institutions primarily focused on sales

Artist Eligibility Requirements

The commissioned artist must:

• Be professionally active in the visual arts sector
• Work in the Netherlands and/or Caribbean part of the Kingdom
• Have at least one year of professional artistic practice

The artist should demonstrate professional experience and active participation in the visual arts field.

Funding Amount and Support Options

The Art Commission Grant provides different levels of financial support depending on the type of project.

One-Time Commission Funding

For individual commissions, the grant can cover:

Up to 50% of eligible production and presentation costs

Eligible costs may include:

• Artwork production expenses
• Installation costs
• Presentation costs
• Artist fees

Long-Term Collaboration Funding

For collaborations between commissioners and artists lasting up to four years, the grant can cover:

Up to 50% of eligible project costs

This supports sustained artistic partnerships and development.

Development Grant Funding

For planning or sketch phases, the grant provides:

Up to 70% of eligible costs

Maximum contribution:

€15,000

This support helps commissioners prepare strong public art projects before full production.

Fair Pay and Cultural Governance Requirements

Applicants must ensure fair compensation practices.

Projects must include:

• A realistic artist fee
• Compliance with the Fair Pay Code
• Appropriate cultural governance standards

Fair payment ensures professional artists receive appropriate compensation for their creative work.

Why the Art Commission Grant Matters

Public art plays an important role in creating cultural experiences and strengthening connections between artists and communities.

The grant helps:

• Increase access to contemporary art
• Support professional artists financially
• Encourage innovation in public spaces
• Build stronger relationships between artists and institutions
• Promote cultural development

By supporting new commissions, the programme contributes to a more diverse and accessible visual arts landscape.

How to Apply for the Mondriaan Fund Art Commission Grant

Applications can be submitted throughout the year.

Step 1: Develop the Project Idea

Applicants should define:

• The purpose of the artwork
• The intended public audience
• The collaborating artist
• The project location

Step 2: Prepare a Project Budget

The budget should include:

• Production costs
• Presentation expenses
• Artist fees
• Development costs where applicable

Applicants must ensure the artist fee meets fair payment standards.

Step 3: Select a Professional Artist

Applicants should collaborate with an artist who:

• Meets professional practice requirements
• Has relevant artistic experience
• Can contribute to the proposed project

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Applications must be submitted through:

• The Mondriaan Fund online application system

Applicants should provide:

• Project description
• Budget information
• Artist details
• Supporting documents

Step 5: Assessment Process

Applicants should allow approximately:

Three months

for application assessment.

Important:

• Funding is not available retrospectively
• Projects should not begin before approval

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the public value of the artwork
• Demonstrating strong artist-commissioner collaboration
• Providing a realistic budget
• Including appropriate artist compensation
• Explaining long-term cultural impact

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for commercial projects
• Requesting funding after costs have already occurred
• Excluding artist fees from the budget
• Selecting artists without professional practice experience
• Providing unclear project plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Mondriaan Fund Art Commission Grant?

The Art Commission Grant supports the creation of new publicly accessible visual artworks through collaborations between commissioners and professional artists.

Who can apply for the grant?

Individuals, organizations, institutions, companies, public bodies, private organizations, and public-private partnerships can apply if they meet eligibility requirements.

Where must supported artworks be presented?

The artwork must be presented in the Netherlands or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Funding depends on the project type. One-time commissions and long-term collaborations can receive up to 50% of eligible costs, while development grants can cover up to 70% with a maximum contribution of €15,000.

Can artists apply directly for this grant?

No. Individual artists are not eligible to apply for this grant. The application must come from an eligible commissioner.

Does the project need to be publicly accessible?

Yes. Supported artworks must be accessible to the public and should not be created primarily for commercial purposes.

How long does the assessment process take?

Applicants should expect approximately three months for the evaluation process.

Conclusion

The Mondriaan Fund Art Commission Grant provides valuable support for creating new publicly accessible visual artworks and strengthening partnerships between commissioners and professional artists.

By funding artistic production, collaboration, and development, the programme helps expand access to contemporary art, supports fair compensation for artists, and contributes to a vibrant cultural environment in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.