Residency Grant Program for Artists and Curators

Deadline: 26-Feb-2026

The Mondriaan Fund Residency Grant Program supports visual artists, curators, and art observers by funding professional residencies in the Netherlands or abroad.

The program enables participants to deepen their artistic or curatorial practice, expand international networks, and contribute meaningfully to contemporary visual art and cultural heritage in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

Overview

The Mondriaan Fund Residency Grant Program supports the artistic and professional development of visual artists, curators, art critics, and art observers through funded residency periods.

The program enables participants to work at selected residencies in the Netherlands or internationally, as designated by the Mondriaan Fund, offering time, space, and professional context for research, experimentation, and creation.

The residency experience is designed to strengthen contemporary visual art practice and cultural heritage connected to the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

Core Objectives of the Program

The Residency Grant Program aims to:

• Support the creation of work that contributes to contemporary visual art and cultural heritage

• Enable professional development through focused working periods

• Encourage exploration of new artistic and professional contexts

• Strengthen (inter)national professional networks

• Support sustainable artistic and cultural entrepreneurship

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicant Profiles

The program is open to:

• Visual artists

• Curators

• Art critics

• Art observers

Applicants must be professionally active and embedded in the visual arts sector in the Netherlands and/or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

Eligibility for Visual Artists

Visual artists must:

• Have been professionally active for at least one year

• Be demonstrably embedded in professional visual arts practice

• Not be receiving other Mondriaan Fund support for the same costs at the time of application

Eligibility for Curators and Art Observers

Curators and art observers must:

• Have at least one year of professional activity, demonstrated through:

  • Publications

  • Exhibitions

  • Research

  • Initiated or curated projects

• Be professionally embedded in the visual arts sector

• Not receive overlapping Mondriaan Fund support for the same costs

Education Status Restrictions

Applicants cannot apply if they are enrolled in:

• Full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or postgraduate programs

Limited exceptions apply for part-time programs of less than 20 hours per week.

Residency Locations and Structure

• Residencies take place at Dutch or international residency institutions selected by the Mondriaan Fund

• Participants spend a defined working period at the residency

• Residencies provide:

  • Living space

  • Working space

  • Professional support

These costs are paid directly by the Mondriaan Fund to the residency.

What the Grant Covers

Eligible Costs Covered by the Grant

The Residency Grant covers:

• Travel costs

• Accommodation costs

• Material and production costs

Grant amounts vary depending on:

• Residency location

• Length of stay

Costs Paid Directly by the Fund

The Mondriaan Fund pays the residency directly for:

• Living space

• Working space

• Professional guidance and support

Mandatory Applicant Contribution

Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the grant amount, which may come from:

• Personal funds

• Third-party contributions

• Interest-free loans

• Crowdfunding

Applicants living in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom may receive a higher grant amount to offset increased travel costs.

Application Limits and Rules

• Applicants may apply for up to two residencies per application round

• A separate application and PDF set is required for each residency

• Applicants must clearly indicate their preferred residency

• Only one Residency Grant can be awarded per applicant per calendar year

• If two applications are submitted in one round:

  • Artistic quality and practice development are assessed once

  • The assessment applies to both applications

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete and structured set of documents, including:

• Explanation of work and cultural entrepreneurship

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• A detailed residency plan

• Visual or professional documentation

• A documentation list

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

Depending on the applicant’s situation, additional documents may be required, such as:

• Proof of residency in the Netherlands

• Bank account details

• Chamber of Commerce registration

• Diplomas or certificates

Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications cannot be processed.

How the Selection Process Works

Step 1: Formal Check

• Applications are first assessed for completeness by Mondriaan Fund staff

Step 2: Advisory Committee Evaluation

• Complete applications are evaluated by an independent advisory committee

• Assessment criteria include:

  • Quality of artistic or curatorial practice

  • Development potential

  • Cultural entrepreneurship

  • Relevance of the residency

Step 3: Final Selection

• Not all positively assessed applications receive funding due to prioritisation

• Final selection is made by:

  • The advisory committee, or

  • The residency itself

• The procedure may include a meeting between residency management and the candidate

Important Dates and Timeline

• Application deadline: Thursday 26 February 2026

  • Before 16:00 (Dutch time zone)

  • Before 11:00 (Caribbean time zone)

• Processing period: Approximately three months after the deadline

• Retroactive funding: Not allowed

Applicants must have an active account on the Mondriaan Fund application website to submit an application.

Why This Residency Grant Matters

The Mondriaan Fund Residency Grant:

• Provides time and space for deep artistic research and production

• Strengthens international artistic exchange

• Supports professional growth beyond the studio

• Enhances visibility and long-term career sustainability

• Contributes to the cultural ecosystem of the Netherlands and the Caribbean

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete or incorrectly formatted documentation

• Applying while enrolled in a full-time study program

• Requesting funding for costs already covered by other Mondriaan Fund support

• Missing the mandatory 10% personal contribution

• Submitting after the deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Mondriaan Fund Residency Grant?

Visual artists, curators, art critics, and art observers who are professionally active and embedded in the Netherlands or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

2. Can I apply for more than one residency?

Yes, up to two per round, but only one grant can be awarded per year.

3. What costs does the grant cover?

Travel, accommodation, and material costs. Living and working spaces are paid directly to the residency.

4. Is a personal financial contribution required?

Yes. Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the grant amount.

5. Are students eligible to apply?

No, applicants enrolled in full-time education programs are not eligible, with limited part-time exceptions.

6. How are applications selected?

Applications are reviewed by Mondriaan Fund staff and an advisory committee, with final selection sometimes involving the residency.

7. Are grants awarded retroactively?

No. Grants are only awarded for future residencies.

Conclusion

The Mondriaan Fund Residency Grant Program offers a structured and prestigious opportunity for artists and curators to deepen their practice through funded residencies in the Netherlands or abroad.

By combining financial support, professional guidance, and international exposure, the program plays a vital role in advancing contemporary visual art and cultural exchange connected to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

For more information, visit Mondriaan Fund.