Applications open for AFAC’s Visual Arts Grant Program

The AFAC Visual Arts Grant Program funds the production and exhibition of contemporary visual arts projects connected to the Arab region. It supports artists and institutions with grants for research, production, and presentation, prioritizing artistic quality, feasibility, and cultural relevance.

AFAC Visual Arts Grant Program Overview

The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) Visual Arts Grant Program is an annual funding initiative that supports the creation and exhibition of visual arts projects rooted in the Arab region. The program focuses on enabling high-quality artistic production and professional presentation across diverse visual media.

It is designed to strengthen artistic practice, experimentation, and public access to contemporary visual arts.

Artistic Disciplines and Project Types Supported

The program supports a wide range of visual arts formats, including:

• Painting and drawing

• Sculpture and installation art

• Photography

• Video art and sound art

• Multimedia and new media works

• Art publications and exhibition-related outputs

Projects may include research, development, production, and exhibition components.

Grant Amounts and Funding Limits

AFAC provides funding based on the applicant category:

• Up to USD 20,000 for individuals and teams

• Up to USD 35,000 for collectives and institutions

Due to high demand, selected projects may receive less than the amount requested. Applicants are encouraged to seek diversified funding sources.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The Visual Arts Grant Program is open to:

• Individuals originating from Arab countries, regardless of residence, citizenship, or national identity

• Local, regional, and international institutions whose projects relate to arts and culture from the Arab region

• Artistic and cultural institutions, galleries, venues, and nonprofit or for-profit organizations

Both emerging and established artists and institutions are eligible.

Who Is Not Eligible

To avoid conflicts of interest, the following may not apply:

• AFAC board of trustees members, staff, business partners, and family members

• Members of the current year’s reader or juror committees in the categories they evaluate

• Applicants who received AFAC grants in two consecutive years must wait two years before reapplying

• Applicants with a current open AFAC grant

These rules ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.

What the Grant Covers

AFAC Visual Arts grants support production-related expenses, including:

• Research and development costs

• Materials and supplies

• Space and equipment rental

• Artistic, technical, and collaborative labor fees

An artist or institutional fee of up to 30 percent of the total grant amount is permitted.

Travel, Timing, and Expense Rules

AFAC does not provide mobility grants. Travel expenses may be covered only if they are directly linked to project research or implementation. The program does not fund completed projects or retroactive expenses. For projects already in progress, only costs incurred after the agreement signature date are eligible.

Why This Grant Matters

The AFAC Visual Arts Grant Program plays a key role in:

• Supporting contemporary visual artists in the Arab region

• Encouraging experimentation and cross-disciplinary practices

• Expanding exhibition opportunities and public engagement

• Strengthening regional and international visibility of Arab visual arts

It enables artists and institutions to realize ambitious projects with professional standards.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through AFAC’s online application platform.

Application steps:

1. Complete the official online application form

2. Upload all required supporting materials and project samples

3. Review eligibility and application completeness

4. Submit before the deadline

Applications sent by email or regular mail are not accepted.

Application Deadline

The submission deadline for the AFAC Visual Arts Grant Program is:

• 02 April 2026

• 5:00 PM Beirut time (GMT +3)

Late or incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.

How Applications Are Evaluated

The evaluation process follows three stages:

• Eligibility and completeness check by the grants management team

• Artistic and feasibility review by independent readers

• Final selection by an independent jury committee

Selected projects are announced on AFAC’s website and social media channels, with applicants notified by email in advance.

Payment and Reporting Requirements

Payment schedules depend on the grant amount and project timeline. Disbursements are linked to:

• Signing of the grant agreement

• Proof of co-funding where applicable

• Submission and approval of interim and final narrative and financial reports

Compliance with reporting obligations is mandatory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing samples

• Applying while holding an open AFAC grant

• Requesting funding for completed or retroactive expenses

• Ignoring eligibility and waiting-period rules

• Relying solely on AFAC without exploring co-funding

Thorough preparation improves evaluation outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the AFAC Visual Arts Grant?

Artists from Arab countries and institutions working on Arab-region-related visual arts projects are eligible.

What types of visual art projects are supported?

Painting, sculpture, photography, installations, video and sound art, multimedia works, and art publications.

Can institutions apply for funding?

Yes. Both nonprofit and for-profit cultural institutions, galleries, and venues may apply.

Are travel costs eligible?

Only if travel is essential to project research or implementation. AFAC does not offer mobility grants.

Does AFAC fund completed projects?

No. Completed projects and expenses incurred before contract signing are not eligible.

How many applications can I submit?

Each applicant may submit only one application per open call.

When will results be announced?

Applicants are informed by email before the public announcement on AFAC’s platforms.

Conclusion

The AFAC Visual Arts Grant Program offers vital support for the production and exhibition of contemporary visual arts connected to the Arab region. By funding research, creation, and presentation, the program empowers artists and institutions to develop impactful projects and reach broader audiences with artistic excellence.