Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
Research projects can focus on all eras within art history from prehistoric to modern times and art history in a broad sense, meaning paintings, architecture, sculpture, performance, bio art, photo, film, digital art etc., however the project must demonstrate clear relevance for the visual arts in an international or Danish context.
It is a requirement that new knowledge is produced as part of the research project, and the project proposal must demonstrate academic relevance for the research environment at the Danish host institution. The foundation does not support projects within preservation or archaeology.
Two grants are available for funding, each at a level of up to DKK 4,59 million for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. Eligible expenses include salaries for the applicant and research staff, tuition fees for PhD students, operating costs, conference participation, travel, publication expenses, and small-scale workshops or symposia. Relocation and research stay expenses abroad are also allowed.
However, the foundation does not fund large-scale conferences, art exhibitions, purely publication-related costs, commercial activities, or overhead expenses. Double funding of projects is prohibited, and applicants must declare any other funding sources or overlapping applications.
To be eligible, applicants must work within the field of art history research and be affiliated with a Danish university, art academy, museum, or other knowledge institution during the grant period. A letter of commitment from the host institution confirming agreement to host the project, administer the grant, and provide office facilities is mandatory.
Applicants should be at postdoctoral, senior researcher, assistant/associate professor, or professor level with proven records of independent, original, and significant research. Both permanent and non-permanent staff may apply. While only one main investigator can apply, co-applicants are allowed if they contribute academically, and PhD students or postdocs can be included as part of the project but not as co-applicants. Each applicant may submit only one application per call and cannot hold more than one active grant of the same type simultaneously.
Applications will be assessed by the Committee on Research on Art and Art History based on the academic quality, potential, and relevance of the proposal; methodology and feasibility; contribution to the host institution’s research environment; and the qualifications and previous achievements of the applicant and co-applicants. Applicants with active grants are encouraged to deliver results from ongoing projects before applying for new funding.
Applications must include detailed applicant information, a brief CV of up to 4000 characters, and a summary of relevant research experience. The project description should not exceed 20,000 characters and must cover purpose, hypothesis, methods, and relevance.
Subprojects for PhD and postdoc positions should be outlined within the main description. Up to four illustrative images and a reference list of up to 8,000 characters may be uploaded, along with a 1,000-character lay summary for public dissemination if awarded.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.