Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The Henry Moore Grants programme supports the development, study, conservation, and public appreciation of sculpture across historical, modern, and contemporary contexts. It provides financial support to UK and international non-profit organisations, as well as individual sculpture historians, academics, and conservators working in specific research-related categories.
The programme funds exhibitions, sculpture commissions, catalogues, research projects, conservation work, publications, conferences, and archival access. Grants are designed to strengthen sculpture practice, deepen public engagement, and expand academic and curatorial understanding of sculpture.
What are Henry Moore Grants?
Henry Moore Grants are funding awards dedicated to advancing sculpture-related work across research, production, conservation, and public engagement.
The programme supports:
- Sculpture exhibitions and commissions
- Research and academic study of sculpture
- Conservation and restoration of sculptural works
- Publication of sculpture-related materials
- Conferences and public lectures
- Collection development and cataloguing
- Archival research and access
- Photography and documentation of sculpture
The overall goal is to promote deeper appreciation and understanding of sculpture in all its forms.
Objectives of the Programme
The grants aim to strengthen sculpture as an artistic and academic discipline.
Core Objectives Include:
- Expanding public appreciation of sculpture
- Supporting innovative curatorial and artistic projects
- Advancing sculpture research and scholarship
- Improving conservation practices for sculpture
- Enhancing access to sculpture collections and archives
- Encouraging new interpretations of sculptural history and practice
Grant Categories and Funding
The programme is structured into five main funding categories, each supporting different types of sculpture-related work.
New Projects and Commissions
This category supports:
- Sculpture exhibitions
- Exhibition catalogues
- Sculpture commissions
- Innovative curatorial projects
Key Focus
- New thinking about sculpture
- Contemporary or historical reinterpretation
- Public engagement with sculptural practice
Funding Limit
- Up to £20,000 per project
Acquisitions and Collections
This category supports:
- Acquisition of sculptural works
- Conservation of sculptures in collections
- Cataloguing and documentation
- Display and presentation of collections
Funding Limit
- Up to £20,000 per project
Conferences, Lectures and Publications
This category supports:
- Academic conferences
- Public lectures
- Books and journal publications (excluding exhibition catalogues)
Funding Limit
- Up to £5,000 per project
Long-Term Research Grants
This category supports:
- Multi-year research projects
- Permanent collection catalogues
- Extended academic investigations into sculpture
Funding Limit
- Up to £20,000 per project
Research and Travel Grants
This category is specifically for:
- Sculpture historians
- Academics
- Conservators
Eligible Activities Include:
- Research on sculpture history or conservation
- Travel for academic fieldwork
- Archival access
- Photography for research purposes
- Documentation of sculptural works
Ineligible Activities Include:
Funding Limit
- Up to £2,500 per grant
- May be fully funded up to the maximum amount
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the category of grant.
Organisational Applicants
Eligible organisations must be:
- UK-based or international non-profit organisations
- Established and operational for at least 12 months
Individual Applicants
Eligible individuals include:
- Sculpture historians
- Academics
- Conservators
(Only for Research and Travel Grants category)
Key Eligibility Principles
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong relevance to sculpture research or practice
- Non-profit or academic purpose
- Clear public or scholarly benefit
- Strong project feasibility and planning
What the Programme Supports
The grants fund a wide range of sculpture-related activities.
Supported Areas Include:
- Sculpture production and commissioning
- Conservation and restoration projects
- Museum and gallery exhibitions
- Academic research in sculpture history
- Archival documentation and cataloguing
- Publication of scholarly work
- Public engagement initiatives
- Conferences and knowledge-sharing events
What the Programme Does NOT Fund
- For-profit commercial projects
- Full project costs (except research and travel grants up to £2,500)
- Artist practice development under research grants
- Incomplete or non-sculpture-related proposals
Why Henry Moore Grants Matter
Strengthens Sculpture Research
The programme supports deeper academic and historical understanding of sculpture.
Supports Cultural Heritage
It contributes to conservation and preservation of sculptural works.
Enhances Public Engagement
Funding helps museums and organisations improve access to sculpture.
Encourages Innovation
The grants support new interpretations and creative approaches to sculpture.
Builds Academic and Institutional Capacity
The programme strengthens collections, archives, and research infrastructure.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify the Correct Category
Applicants must choose from:
- New Projects and Commissions
- Acquisitions and Collections
- Conferences and Publications
- Long-Term Research
- Research and Travel
Step 2: Develop a Strong Proposal
Include:
- Project objectives
- Methodology or curatorial approach
- Expected outcomes
- Timeline
- Budget breakdown
- Relevance to sculpture field
Step 3: Demonstrate Eligibility
Ensure:
- Organisational eligibility (non-profit status and operational history)
- Individual eligibility (if applicable)
- Clear alignment with sculpture-focused objectives
Step 4: Show Wider Impact
Explain how the project will:
- Increase public engagement
- Contribute to sculpture knowledge
- Strengthen collections or research
- Benefit academic or cultural communities
Step 5: Submit Application
Submit through the official Henry Moore Grants application process before the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define the sculpture-focused impact
- Demonstrate originality in research or curatorial approach
- Provide a realistic and detailed budget
- Highlight public or academic benefit
- Show strong institutional or scholarly partnerships
- Ensure clarity between category and project scope
- Include conservation or documentation value where relevant
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying under the wrong category
- Weak justification of sculpture relevance
- Over-ambitious or under-budgeted proposals
- Lack of clear outcomes or outputs
- Ineligible organisational status
- Including non-sculpture-related activity
- Missing emphasis on public or academic benefit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Henry Moore Grants programme?
It is a funding programme supporting sculpture research, exhibitions, conservation, publications, and related academic and cultural activities.
Who can apply?
UK and international non-profit organisations, as well as eligible academics, historians, and conservators.
What is the maximum funding available?
Funding ranges from £2,500 to £20,000 depending on the category.
Can individuals apply?
Yes, but only for Research and Travel Grants.
Are full project costs covered?
No, except Research and Travel Grants, which may be fully funded up to £2,500.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects related to sculpture exhibitions, research, conservation, publications, and public engagement.
Do projects need to focus only on contemporary sculpture?
No, the programme covers historical, modern, and contemporary sculpture.
Final Thoughts
The Henry Moore Grants 2026 programme provides essential support for the advancement of sculpture across research, practice, conservation, and public engagement.
By funding exhibitions, academic research, conservation efforts, and publications, the programme plays a key role in preserving sculptural heritage while encouraging new thinking and expanding public appreciation of sculpture worldwide.
For more information, visit The Henry Moore Foundation.