Exhibition Funding for Contemporary Art from Germany

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Exhibition Funding programme supports contemporary visual artists from Germany in presenting exhibitions at non-commercial venues outside Germany. Funding can cover travel, accommodation, artwork transportation, and technical equipment rental for projects that address socially relevant issues, encourage intercultural dialogue, use transdisciplinary approaches, and incorporate environmental sustainability. Exhibition Funding Programme Overview The Exhibition Funding programme supports German visual artists and artists who have been living in Germany for at least five years to present their work internationally. The programme is intended for exhibitions held outside Germany at non-commercial museums, galleries, biennales, and other curated exhibition formats. Its broader purpose is to strengthen international cultural exchange while supporting artistic projects that engage with important contemporary issues. The programme also encourages transdisciplinary approaches, meaning that projects can connect visual art with other fields, forms of knowledge, or areas of public discussion. International Exhibition Requirements The supported exhibition must take place outside Germany.

Eligible presentation formats include:

Non-commercial museums Non-commercial galleries Biennales Curated international exhibitions Other professionally organized, non-commercial exhibition formats The invitation from the host institution is an important part of the application. Commercial galleries and purely commercial exhibition activities are not the intended focus of this funding programme. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants are contemporary visual artists who are part of the German art scene.

Applicants must:

Be German visual artists, or Have lived in Germany for at least five years. Be professionally active in contemporary visual arts. Have an international exhibition opportunity outside Germany. Present their work through an eligible non-commercial institution or curated exhibition format. Students are not eligible for funding. The five-year residence requirement is particularly important for artists who are not German citizens but are established within the German art scene. What Costs Can the Grant Cover? The funding is intended to cover specific costs directly associated with presenting the exhibition abroad. Rental of technical equipment required for the exhibition The programme therefore helps reduce the financial barriers associated with international exhibition opportunities. Applicants should ensure that requested expenses are directly connected to the proposed international presentation. Environmental Sustainability Requirement Environmental sustainability is an important component of the programme. Applicants are expected to consider sustainability during both the planning and implementation of their projects. Projects should take the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into account where relevant. Applicants should therefore consider practical measures such as: Efficient transportation planning Responsible shipping of artworks Sustainable materials Reusable exhibition structures Reduced waste Energy-efficient technical equipment Environmentally responsible production methods The sustainability approach should be integrated into the project rather than added as an afterthought. Why This Funding Matters International exhibitions can provide artists with important opportunities to build professional networks, reach new audiences, and contribute to international cultural dialogue. This programme is particularly relevant for artists whose work addresses contemporary challenges.

The funding can help artists:

Present their work to international audiences.

Participate in professionally curated exhibitions

Develop international networks. Exchange ideas across cultural contexts. Address socially relevant themes through visual art. Strengthen their international artistic profile. Reduce travel, transportation, and technical production costs. It also encourages artistic projects that connect cultural exchange with broader social and environmental conversations. Required Application Documents Applicants need to prepare several supporting documents.

The application must include:

An official invitation from a non-commercial institution outside Germany. Information about the host institution. CVs for all participating artists. Exhibition lists for all artists. Visual material related to the planned project. Three cost estimates for travel. Three cost estimates for artwork or exhibition-material transportation. Three cost estimates for technical equipment rental. Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete and consistent with the proposed exhibition. How to Apply

Step 1: Secure an International Invitation

The first major requirement is an official invitation from an eligible non-commercial institution outside Germany. The invitation should clearly establish the relationship between the artist and the host institution and confirm the planned exhibition or presentation.

Step 2: Develop the Exhibition Proposal

Prepare a clear description of the proposed project.

Explain:

What will be exhibited. Why the project is relevant. What social, cultural, or environmental issues it addresses. How it contributes to intercultural dialogue. Why the international venue is appropriate. Whether the project uses a transdisciplinary approach.

Step 3: Prepare Artist Documentation

Provide:

Artist CVs Exhibition histories Relevant professional background Visual documentation of artistic work The material should demonstrate that the applicants are professionally active contemporary visual artists.

Step 4: Prepare Visual Project Material

Include suitable visual material showing the proposed work or exhibition concept. Visual documentation should help reviewers understand the artistic quality, concept, and intended presentation.

Step 5: Develop a Detailed Budget

Identify all eligible cost