Open Call: Awareness of the History of Slavery Grant Program

The Mondriaan Fund’s New Awareness of the History of Slavery Grant supports artists, curators, and cultural institutions in creating projects that deepen public understanding of slavery’s history and legacy.

Funding ranges from €20,000 to €50,000 for individual projects and €50,000 per position for institutional initiatives, enabling research, artistic creation, and public engagement initiatives.

The New Awareness of the History of Slavery Grant from the Mondriaan Fund offers a dedicated opportunity to explore and communicate the history and ongoing impact of slavery through artistic, curatorial, and research-based projects.

The grant encourages reflection, dialogue, and awareness, connecting historical narratives to contemporary social contexts and promoting informed public discourse.

Grant Purpose

This grant aims to:

• Deepen understanding of the history and legacy of slavery

• Support artistic and research-based approaches to engage public awareness

• Facilitate reflection, dialogue, and critical engagement with historical narratives

• Promote innovative projects that connect historical insights with contemporary issues

Eligible Trajectories

The grant operates through two distinct application trajectories:

1. Cultural Institutions

• Purpose: Support institutions in appointing or commissioning visual artists, curators, or heritage professionals

• Activities:

  • Conduct research on slavery and its legacy

  • Develop and present artistic projects or exhibitions

  • Create programmes that increase public understanding and awareness

  • Conduct collection-based or preliminary research for exhibitions or public projects

• Funding: €50,000 per position

2. Individual Artists, Curators, and Observers

• Purpose: Enable individuals to realise artistic or research plans focused on the history of slavery

• Activities:

  • Conduct theoretical or reflective research

  • Prepare exhibitions, events, or residencies

  • Create new artistic work engaging with the subject

  • Develop perspectives and narratives that reach diverse audiences

• Funding: €20,000–€50,000 per project for a working period up to 12 months

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Cultural institutions with the capacity to host artists or curators

• Individual visual artists, curators, or observers with a research or artistic project

• Applicants must demonstrate the potential for public engagement and meaningful exploration of slavery’s history and legacy

How the Grant Works

1. Identify a project or research plan that addresses the history and legacy of slavery

2. Choose the appropriate trajectory (institutional or individual)

3. Prepare a detailed proposal including:

   • Objectives and scope of work

   • Methods or artistic approach

   • Expected outcomes and public engagement

   • Budget and timeline

4. Submit the application via the Mondriaan Fund portal

5. Projects are evaluated on artistic quality, innovation, relevance, and impact

Why This Grant Matters

The grant is significant because it:

• Preserves and promotes understanding of slavery’s history

• Encourages critical reflection and dialogue in cultural and public spaces

• Supports innovative and thoughtful artistic and research practices

• Ensures the legacy of slavery remains visible and actively discussed

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly articulate the project’s connection to the history of slavery and its contemporary relevance

• Demonstrate innovative, research-based, or artistic approaches

• Show potential for public engagement and accessibility to diverse audiences

• Provide a realistic timeline, working period, and budget

• Align the proposal with either the institutional or individual trajectory requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a proposal unrelated to slavery or its historical legacy

• Failing to define clear objectives or outcomes

• Ignoring the specific requirements of the chosen trajectory

• Overlooking the budget or timeline limitations

• Neglecting public engagement or audience reach considerations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

Cultural institutions or individual artists, curators, and observers with projects exploring the history and legacy of slavery.

What are the funding amounts?

• €50,000 per position for institutional projects

• €20,000–€50,000 for individual projects

What types of projects are supported?

Research, artistic creation, exhibitions, residencies, and preparatory work that deepen awareness of slavery’s history.

How long is the working period for individual grants?

Up to 12 months.

Can the grant support residencies or new artistic work?

Yes, individual projects may include residencies and the creation of new work.

What is the main goal of the grant?

To increase public awareness and engagement with the history and legacy of slavery through innovative and reflective projects.

Are preliminary research projects eligible?

Yes, both institutional and individual projects conducting preparatory research for public-facing initiatives are eligible.

Conclusion

The New Awareness of the History of Slavery Grant provides essential support for projects that critically engage with slavery’s legacy.

By funding research, artistic creation, and public programmes, the Mondriaan Fund helps ensure this history is actively explored, understood, and communicated to diverse audiences, fostering dialogue and reflection in contemporary society.