Call for Projects: René and Karin Jonckheere Fund (Belgium)

The René and Karin Jonckheere Fund 2026 provides financial support for the conservation and restoration of movable cultural heritage that reflects Brussels’ European dimension. The fund supports public institutions preserving important artworks, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and works on paper, with total funding of up to €90,000.

Overview of the René and Karin Jonckheere Fund

The René and Karin Jonckheere Fund supports projects that protect and preserve movable cultural heritage connected to Brussels and its role within Europe.

The fund provides financial assistance for:

• Conservation projects.
• Restoration treatments.
• Preservation of important artworks.
• Public access and knowledge-sharing activities related to cultural heritage.

The programme focuses on artworks that demonstrate historical, artistic, or cultural links between Brussels and Europe.

Purpose of the Fund

The main objective of the fund is to safeguard movable cultural heritage by supporting the professional conservation and restoration of artworks with a strong European connection.

The fund aims to:

• Preserve important works of art for future generations.
• Protect Brussels-related cultural heritage.
• Strengthen understanding of Brussels’ European identity.
• Encourage public access to restored artworks.
• Support research, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives.

Types of Heritage Supported

The fund supports movable cultural heritage, including:

• Paintings.
• Sculptures.
• Tapestries.
• Works on paper.
• Similar artistic and historical objects.

The artwork must require:

• Conservation treatment.
• Restoration work.
• Professional preservation measures.

European Dimension Requirement

The main selection criterion is the European significance of:

• The artwork.
• The artist.
• The historical context of the work.

Eligible examples include:

• Works created in Brussels and later distributed across Europe.
• Artworks connected to European museums.
• Diplomatic gifts with European significance.
• Works by artists linked to Brussels and European artistic networks.
• Artworks by European artists preserved in Brussels collections.

Eligible Projects and Artworks

The fund may support conservation and restoration projects involving:

Brussels-Origin Works

Artworks produced in Brussels that later became part of European collections.

Dispersed Cultural Heritage

Works that are separated across different European museums or collections but share historical connections.

Diplomatic Gifts

Artworks exchanged as diplomatic gifts that represent European cultural relationships.

Artists Connected to Brussels and Europe

Works created by artists who:

• Trained in Brussels.
• Developed careers in European courts.
• Lived or worked in Brussels during their European artistic career.

European Artists in Brussels Collections

Works by European artists preserved in museums located in Brussels.

Funding Amount

The René and Karin Jonckheere Fund provides:

Total available funding for 2026: Up to €90,000

The funding may be:

• Awarded to one project, or
• Divided among multiple projects.

Funding supports eligible conservation and restoration activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Public institutions.
• Owners of artworks that highlight Brussels’ European dimension.

Eligible institutions may include:

• Museums.
• Public cultural organisations.
• Heritage institutions.

If the applicant does not own the artwork, they must provide:

• Written authorisation from the owner, or
• An official proxy confirming permission to apply.

Why It Matters

Cultural heritage preservation helps protect important artworks that represent shared European history.

The fund contributes to:

• Long-term preservation of artworks.
• Improved public access to cultural heritage.
• Greater visibility of Brussels’ European connections.
• Support for museums and heritage organisations.

Restoration projects also create opportunities for:

• Exhibitions.
• Publications.
• Academic research.
• Public cultural programmes.

Selection Priorities

Applications receive preference when projects are connected to:

• Current exhibitions.
• Research activities.
• Public cultural events.
• Educational initiatives.

Supported artworks must be accessible to the public.

Owners are encouraged to showcase restored works through:

• Exhibitions.
• Publications.
• Conferences.
• Public presentations.
• Cultural programmes.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that:

• They are a public institution.
• The artwork has a clear Brussels-European connection.
• The artwork requires conservation or restoration.

Step 2: Prepare Project Information

Applicants should provide details about:

• The artwork.
• Historical and European significance.
• Conservation needs.
• Restoration objectives.
• Public access plans.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Applications must include:

• Description of the project team and partners.
• Practical project information.
• Photographs of the artwork and conservation needs.
• Conservation or restoration treatment proposal.
• Detailed cost estimate.
• Restorer’s curriculum vitae.
• Owner authorisation or proxy, if applicable.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants should submit a complete application package containing all required supporting documents.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for artworks without a clear European connection.
• Submitting incomplete restoration plans.
• Failing to provide cost estimates.
• Missing owner authorisation documents when required.
• Not explaining public accessibility plans.

Application Tips

Strong applications should:

• Clearly demonstrate the European significance of the artwork.
• Explain why restoration is necessary.
• Provide professional conservation documentation.
• Include realistic budgets.
• Describe how the public will access the restored work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the René and Karin Jonckheere Fund?

It is a cultural heritage funding programme supporting conservation and restoration of artworks connected to Brussels’ European dimension.

2. How much funding is available?

The fund provides up to €90,000 in 2026, which may support one or multiple projects.

3. Who can apply?

Public institutions that own eligible artworks can apply. Non-owners may apply with official owner authorisation.

4. What types of artworks are eligible?

Eligible works include paintings, sculptures, tapestries, works on paper, and similar movable cultural heritage objects requiring conservation or restoration.

5. What is the main selection criterion?

The primary criterion is the European significance of the artwork or artist and its connection to Brussels.

6. Must restored artworks be publicly accessible?

Yes. Supported works must be accessible to the public and should be presented through exhibitions, publications, conferences, or similar activities.

7. Can museums outside Brussels apply?

The fund mainly supports works preserved in Brussels museums but may also support works held in museums and libraries elsewhere in Europe if they meet the European dimension requirement.

Conclusion

The René and Karin Jonckheere Fund 2026 provides important support for protecting movable cultural heritage connected to Brussels and Europe. By funding professional conservation and restoration projects, the programme helps preserve valuable artworks, strengthen cultural understanding, and ensure that significant European heritage remains accessible to the public.