Deadline: 10-Aug-2026
The Arts Research Programme, re-launched in 2025, supports innovative and experimental approaches to arts research in India. The programme encourages projects that move beyond conventional academic documentation and explore creative, interdisciplinary, and community-based methods of inquiry.
The initiative supports artistic, cultural, and scholarly practices that deepen understanding of artistic expression, heritage, memory, multilingual engagement, and marginalised narratives across India.
Focus Areas
Creative and Experimental Arts Research
The programme supports:
- Practice-based research
- Creative inquiry methods
- Experimental artistic processes
- Interdisciplinary research approaches
- Community-engaged arts research
Cultural Heritage and Histories
Projects may explore:
- Artistic histories and traditions
- Cultural memory and lived experiences
- Heritage preservation through creative practice
- Marginalised voices and narratives
- Contemporary interpretations of cultural practices
Multilingual and Translation Practices
Eligible research may include:
- Translation studies
- Multilingual artistic engagement
- Language and cultural exchange
- Regional storytelling and interpretation
Interdisciplinary Dialogue
The programme encourages collaboration between:
- Art and technology
- Art and philosophy
- Art and science
- Digital media and theory
- Creative practice and social inquiry
Funding Details
- Maximum funding available: Rs. 5,00,000
- Project duration: Minimum 1 year and maximum 18 months
- Honorarium allowed: Up to 35% of the total requested budget
Ineligible Budget Items
The grant does not support:
- Institutional overheads
- Infrastructure development costs
- Building or construction expenses
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to:
- Scholars
- Practitioner researchers
- Artist-activists
- Curators
- Translators
- Artist educators
- Authors
- Philosophers
- Gamers
- Interdisciplinary practitioners
Applicants must work at the intersection of:
- Research
- Artistic practice
- Cultural engagement
- Knowledge production
Nationality and Documentation Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be Indian nationals
- Possess a valid PAN card
- Provide proof of identity and citizenship through:
- Indian Passport
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
Not Eligible
- PIO card holders
- OCI card holders
Only individuals may apply, although collaborators are allowed if they are also Indian nationals.
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Have pending deliverables from previous grants
- Have a history of financial delinquency
- Were disqualified from earlier grants under the programme
- Are currently implementing another project under the same funding body
Why This Programme Matters
The Arts Research Programme supports new ways of understanding and producing knowledge through artistic and cultural practice. The initiative encourages:
- Diverse research perspectives
- Critical engagement with history and culture
- Experimental creative methodologies
- Inclusion of underrepresented voices
- Innovation in arts-based research
The programme also helps bridge academic research and artistic practice while supporting interdisciplinary and multilingual cultural dialogue in India.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a clear arts research proposal
- Explain the creative and research methodology
- Prepare a realistic project budget
- Highlight interdisciplinary or community engagement elements
- Provide required identity and citizenship documents
- Submit the application according to programme guidelines
Strong proposals should clearly demonstrate:
- Originality and innovation
- Research relevance
- Artistic and cultural value
- Community or interdisciplinary engagement
- Feasibility within the project timeline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting conventional documentation-only projects
- Including ineligible infrastructure costs in the budget
- Weak explanation of research methodology
- Incomplete identity documentation
- Applying while managing another active project under the same funding body
FAQ
What is the maximum funding available?
Applicants can request up to Rs. 5,00,000.
What is the project duration?
Projects must run for at least one year and may extend up to 18 months.
Who can apply?
Indian nationals working in arts, research, culture, and interdisciplinary practices are eligible.
Are collaborative projects allowed?
Yes, collaborators may be included if they are also Indian nationals.
Can institutions apply?
No, only individuals can apply.
Are PIO and OCI card holders eligible?
No, PIO and OCI card holders are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Arts Research Programme 2025 provides valuable support for artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners exploring innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to arts research in India. By encouraging creative inquiry, multilingual engagement, and critical cultural exploration, the programme helps expand new forms of artistic knowledge production and cultural understanding.
For more information, visit India Foundation for the Arts.