International Project Grants with Austrian Contemporary Art

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art is offering grants to support international exhibitions featuring Austrian and Austria-based artists in 2027. Eligible projects must be hosted by non-profit institutions outside Austria and prioritize solo exhibitions and new artwork production. Applications must be submitted by institutions, not individual artists or commercial entities.

What is the Phileas Grant Program?

The Phileas Grant Program supports international contemporary art projects that showcase the work of Austrian or Austria-based artists.

Core Objectives

• Promote Austrian contemporary art globally
• Support international exhibitions and biennials
• Encourage new artistic production
• Strengthen institutional collaborations

Key Focus Areas

Projects must align with the following priorities:

1. International Presentation

• Exhibitions outside Austria
• Hosted by museums, biennials, or art institutions

2. Austrian Artistic Representation

• Focus on:
  • Austrian artists
  • Artists based in Austria

3. New Work Production

• Preference for projects that:
  • Commission or produce new artworks

4. Solo Exhibitions (Priority)

• Strong preference for:
  • Solo presentations over group exhibitions

Important Restrictions

Projects will not be supported if:

• They involve international artists based in Austria presenting work in their country of origin
• Applications are submitted by:
  • Individual artists
  • Commercial organizations

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Non-profit international art institutions, including:
  • Museums
  • Biennials
  • Public art institutions

Key Requirements

• Must be located outside Austria
• Must host projects opening in 2027
• Must collaborate with Austrian or Austria-based artists

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Strong proposals typically include:

• Solo exhibitions of Austrian artists
• Projects involving new artwork production
• Institutional exhibitions with international visibility

Funding Requirements

While the exact grant amount is not specified, applicants must:

• Provide a detailed and realistic budget
• Show confirmed or secured co-funding
• Demonstrate financial feasibility

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Project Information

• Detailed project description
• Relevance and objectives
• Type of project (exhibition, biennial, etc.)
• Project dates (must open in 2027)

Artist Information

• Names of participating artist(s)
• Artist portfolios
• Description of artistic practice

Supporting Materials

• Images with captions
• Exhibition concept visuals

Institutional Details

• Information about the hosting institution
• Contact details of curator or project manager

Budget

• Comprehensive cost breakdown
• List of confirmed or pending funding sources

Why This Grant Matters

This program plays a key role in:

• Expanding the global reach of Austrian contemporary art
• Supporting artistic innovation and production
• Strengthening international cultural exchange
• Enabling institutions to present high-quality exhibitions

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure your institution is:
  • Non-profit
  • Based outside Austria

Step 2: Develop Project Concept

• Focus on:
  • Austrian artist(s)
  • International relevance
  • New work (if possible)

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

• Project description
• Artist portfolios
• Visual materials

Step 4: Build Budget

• Include:
  • Full project costs
  • Secured or expected funding

Step 5: Submit Application

• Ensure all required details are complete
• Submit through the official process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting as an individual artist or commercial entity
• Proposing projects inside Austria
• Weak or unclear project concept
• Missing budget details or co-funding
• Lack of artist documentation or visuals

Tips for a Strong Application

• Prioritize solo exhibitions
• Highlight new artistic production
• Demonstrate international relevance and impact
• Provide clear and detailed documentation
• Show strong institutional capacity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Phileas grant?
Only non-profit international art institutions such as museums and biennials.

2. Can individual artists apply?
No. Applications from individual artists are not accepted.

3. Where must the project take place?
Outside Austria at an international art institution.

4. When must the project open?
Projects must open in 2027.

5. Are group exhibitions eligible?
Yes, but solo exhibitions are prioritized.

6. Is co-funding required?
Yes. Applicants must show confirmed or secured additional funding.

7. What type of artists are supported?
Austrian or Austria-based artists.

Conclusion

The Phileas Grants 2027 provide a valuable opportunity for international institutions to showcase Austrian contemporary art on a global stage. With a focus on quality, innovation, and international collaboration, the program supports impactful exhibitions that elevate artistic visibility.

For more information, visit Phileas.