The Danish Arts Foundation’s Production and Exhibitions Grant Programme funds contemporary art production, promotion, and exhibitions in Denmark and abroad. Grants support artists and exhibition venues to create new works, cover exhibition-related expenses, and promote Danish contemporary art internationally. Applications are evaluated based on artistic quality, innovation, accessibility, and professional context, with decisions published on the Foundation’s website within twelve weeks of the deadline.

About the Grant Programme

The Production and Exhibitions Grant Programme is designed to support contemporary visual art projects that strengthen artistic quality, promote innovation, and enhance public accessibility. The programme encourages the dissemination of Danish and international art in Denmark, as well as the exhibition of Danish contemporary art abroad. It provides funding for production, promotion, exhibition costs, honorariums, and network-building activities.

Objectives of the Grant

The programme aims to:

• Promote contemporary Danish and international art in Denmark

• Support the production of new artworks

• Fund exhibitions at Danish venues featuring Danish or international artists

• Fund exhibitions at non-Danish venues featuring Danish artists

• Encourage printed or digital promotion tied to exhibitions with public distribution agreements

• Provide exhibition and production honorariums to artists

• Ensure public accessibility to contemporary art

• Foster innovation and professional artistic quality

• Build local and international networks

• Encourage sustainable artistic practices

Funding Scope and Exclusions

The grant does not cover:

• Exhibitions opening before the application deadline

• General gallery expenses except for new work production and special investments

• Permanent public works accessible for more than twelve months

• Studio rent, per diems, invitations, meals, or travel and accommodation for assistants (in most cases)

• Travel/accommodation for exhibitions in galleries where the artist has a permanent affiliation

• Local transport, previously reviewed projects, or costs from past calendar years

Who is Eligible?

• Artists producing new works with an exhibition agreement

• Exhibition venues seeking to fund exhibitions of Danish or international artists

• Both Danish and non-Danish venues can apply, following the rules:

  • Danish venues: for exhibitions featuring Danish or international artists

  • Non-Danish venues: for exhibitions featuring Danish artists

How the Grant Supports Artists and Venues

• Artists may request funding to produce new works or cover exhibition-related expenses

• Exhibition venues can apply for honorariums for artists’ setup, public relations, and related exhibition activities

• Artists may also apply for production honorariums for the creation of artworks

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Promotion of contemporary art in Denmark or Danish contemporary art abroad

• High artistic and professional quality

• Inclusion in a professionally strong context

• Awareness of communication and audience interaction

• Public accessibility

• Network-building locally or internationally

• Innovation and originality

Artistic and professional quality is evaluated based on:

• Coherence between idea and form

• Necessity and message of the project

• Ability to provide new perspectives or challenge common perceptions

Applications are also reviewed relative to the overall applicant pool and available budget to ensure diversity and broad geographical distribution of funding. The committee may award smaller amounts than requested if necessary.

Funding Amount and Payment

• No specified maximum; grants vary according to project merit and available budget

• Foreign bank account holders must submit IBAN or non-IBAN bank information forms

• Grants must be reported to the Danish Tax Agency, including labour market contributions where applicable

How to Apply / Application Requirements

Applicants must download and complete the following templates:

1. Facts and Basic Information

2. Project Description

3. Budget (Excel format)

4. CV

Required attachments:

• At least five images of previous works in a single document

• Optional video or audio files

• Combined CV for relevant artists or curators

• Exhibition or publishing agreement stating the time period

• Sketches for new works if applicable

• Bank information forms for foreign accounts

File requirements:

• Total appendices ≤ 25 MB

• Accepted formats: PDF, Word, MP3, MP4

Submission process:

• Applications may be edited before the deadline; only the most recent version is considered

• Applicants receive notification via email when the decision is available in the Grant Portal

• Decisions are communicated within twelve weeks of the deadline

• Awarded grants and applicant names are published on the Danish Arts Foundation website

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting exhibitions opening before the application deadline

• Including general gallery expenses not covered by the grant

• Omitting required documents such as CV, images, or agreements

• Exceeding the 25 MB limit for attachments

• Failing to submit bank information forms for foreign payments

• Not demonstrating artistic and professional quality clearly in the proposal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Production and Exhibitions Grant?
Artists with exhibition agreements and Danish or non-Danish exhibition venues promoting contemporary art in Denmark or Danish art abroad.

2. What projects are eligible for funding?
Projects supporting production, exhibition, promotion, or dissemination of contemporary art, including honorariums and public engagement initiatives.

3. How are applications evaluated?
Based on artistic and professional quality, innovation, public accessibility, communication strategy, context, and network-building.

4. Is there a maximum grant amount?
No specific limit; grant sizes depend on project merit and the available budget.

5. Can foreign applicants apply?
Yes, non-Danish venues exhibiting Danish artists may apply, but foreign bank accounts require completed bank information forms.

6. What file formats are accepted for submission?
PDF, Word, MP3, and MP4, with total attachments not exceeding 25 MB.

7. When will applicants receive a decision?
Decisions are communicated within twelve weeks of the application deadline, with notifications sent via the Grant Portal and results published online.

Conclusion

The Danish Arts Foundation Production and Exhibitions Grant Programme 2026 provides critical support for contemporary art production, promotion, and exhibition in Denmark and abroad. By funding high-quality projects, supporting artists’ creation and exhibition costs, and encouraging innovation and accessibility, the programme strengthens the local and international art community while fostering professional growth and cultural exchange.