Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Mrinalini Mukherjee Creative Arts Grant offers up to INR 10 lakh to support experienced Indian visual artists in developing experimental and innovative projects. It focuses on risk-taking, new artistic directions, and evolving creative practices. The grant supports project-based work across diverse visual art disciplines.
Overview
The Mrinalini Mukherjee Creative Arts Grant Program supports Indian visual artists in advancing their artistic practice through experimentation, innovation, and exploration.
The programme encourages artists to push boundaries and develop new bodies of work that reflect conceptual and material transitions in contemporary art.
Key Objectives of the Grant
The grant aims to:
- Encourage experimentation and risk-taking in art
- Support new ideas, methods, and artistic expressions
- Enable shifts in artistic practice
- Promote innovation in contemporary visual arts
- Support development of new bodies of work
Eligible Disciplines
Artists working in the following areas can apply:
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Mural art
- Textile art
- Printmaking
- Performance art
- Lens-based and media-based art
Projects should demonstrate innovation within these disciplines.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: INR 10,00,000
Eligible Expenses
Funding can be used for:
- Research and concept development
- Domestic travel
- Art materials and production costs
- Documentation and archiving
- Transportation of artworks
- Professional services and assistants
- Labour and equipment hiring
Additional provision:
- Personal allowance up to 25% of total budget
Ineligible Expenses
The grant does NOT cover:
- Purchase of equipment (e.g., laptops, cameras)
- Exhibition or installation costs
- International travel
- Collaborator expenses
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be Indian citizens residing in India
- Have a minimum of 15 years of professional practice (excluding academic years)
- Demonstrate sustained engagement through portfolio and CV
Eligible applicants:
- Individual artists
- Artist collectives
Who Is Not Eligible?
- NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, or artists based outside India
- Artists with less than 15 years of practice
- Projects involving private galleries as collaborators
Collaboration Guidelines
If applying as a collaboration:
- Provide full details of all collaborators
- Clearly define roles and scope of work
- Ensure compliance with eligibility rules
Why This Grant Matters
This grant is important because it:
- Supports mid-career and senior artists
- Encourages innovation in Indian contemporary art
- Enables artistic risk-taking and experimentation
- Provides financial support for independent creative work
- Strengthens the visual arts ecosystem in India
How to Apply / Application Process
Step 1: Develop Project Proposal
Create a concept focused on experimentation and innovation.
Step 2: Prepare Portfolio
Showcase past work demonstrating sustained artistic practice.
Step 3: Create Budget Plan
Include eligible expenses and personal allowance (if required).
Step 4: Submit Application
Apply through the official grant platform with all required documents.
Expected Outcomes
- Creation of a new body of artistic work
- Exploration of new techniques and ideas
- Advancement in artistic practice
- Contribution to contemporary art discourse
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects without clear innovation or experimentation
- Including ineligible expenses in the budget
- Weak portfolio or insufficient experience
- Lack of clarity in project concept
- Non-compliance with eligibility criteria
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly articulate how your work evolves artistically
- Emphasise experimentation and risk-taking
- Provide a strong, cohesive portfolio
- Ensure budget clarity and compliance
- Demonstrate long-term artistic vision
FAQs
Who can apply for this grant?
Indian visual artists or collectives residing in India with at least 15 years of practice.
What is the maximum funding available?
Up to INR 10,00,000.
What kind of projects are supported?
Experimental and innovative visual arts projects.
Can I include personal expenses?
Yes, up to 25% of the total budget as personal allowance.
Are international artists eligible?
No, only Indian citizens residing in India can apply.
Can I collaborate with galleries?
No, private galleries cannot be collaborators.
What expenses are not covered?
Equipment purchase, exhibition costs, international travel, and collaborator expenses.
Conclusion
The Mrinalini Mukherjee Creative Arts Grant Program provides a valuable opportunity for experienced Indian artists to push creative boundaries and develop innovative work. By supporting experimentation and artistic growth, the grant plays a vital role in advancing contemporary visual arts in India.
For more information, visit Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation.