International Visibility for Contemporary Art from Germany

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Institute for Foreign Relations (ifa) provides grants to contemporary visual artists living in Germany to support the presentation of their work at non-commercial art institutions abroad. Funding can cover artists’ travel, transportation of artworks and exhibition materials, and technical equipment rental for eligible international exhibitions. The ifa grants programme supports contemporary visual artists who have lived in Germany for at least five years and are part of the German art scene. Eligible projects must take place outside Germany at non-commercial museums, galleries, biennales, or other curated international exhibition formats and should contribute to intercultural exchange and the international visibility of art from Germany.

About the ifa Grants Programme

The Institute for Foreign Relations (ifa) supports the international presentation of contemporary visual art from Germany. The programme is designed for artists whose work is being presented through non-commercial institutions outside Germany. Supported projects may include individual or group exhibitions, biennales, and other curated international exhibition formats. The programme also encourages projects that explore socially relevant issues and contribute to intercultural exchange. What Does the ifa Grant Support? Financial support may cover eligible costs directly related to presenting the exhibition abroad, including: - Travel expenses for artists travelling to and from the exhibition venue. - Board and lodging associated with eligible travel. - Transportation of artworks and exhibition materials. - Rental of technical equipment required for presenting the exhibition. The programme encourages applicants to consider environmental sustainability when planning and implementing their projects, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Who Is Eligible? The programme is open to contemporary visual artists who meet the following requirements: - Have lived in Germany for at least five years. - Are part of the German art scene. - Are participating in an individual or group exhibition outside Germany. - Present their work at a non-commercial museum, gallery, or art institution. - Participate in an eligible international exhibition format, such as a biennale or curated international exhibition. - Have an official invitation from the foreign exhibiting institution. Both individual artists and groups of contemporary visual artists can be supported. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The programme supports international exhibitions that contribute to the presentation and visibility of contemporary art from Germany.

Eligible formats can include:

- Individual exhibitions. - Group exhibitions. - Biennales. - Curated international exhibition formats. - Projects hosted by non-commercial museums, galleries, or art institutions abroad. Projects are particularly relevant when they: - Address socially relevant topics. - Explore current social, cultural, or environmental issues. - Use transdisciplinary approaches. - Encourage intercultural exchange. - Increase the international visibility of art from Germany. - Integrate environmental sustainability into project planning and implementation. Where Must the Project Take Place? The supported exhibition must take place outside Germany.

Eligible host venues include:

- Non-commercial museums. - Non-commercial galleries. - Art institutions. - Biennales and other curated international exhibition formats. The programme does not fund projects taking place in the artist’s country of origin. What Costs Can Be Reimbursed? Approved funding is provided through reimbursement of eligible expenses. Artists must submit the required invoices, receipts, and other supporting financial documents.

Eligible costs may include:

- Artist travel to and from the exhibition venue. - Board and lodging. - Transportation of artworks. - Transportation of exhibition materials. - Rental of technical equipment needed for the exhibition. Reimbursement is subject to the applicable requirements of the Federal Budget Code and the German Travel Expenses Act. What Documents Are Required? Applicants should prepare the required project and financial documentation, including: - Official invitation from the foreign exhibiting institution. - Information about the host institution. - CVs of all participating artists. - Exhibition lists for all participating artists. - Visual material related to the planned project. - Three cost estimates for travel. - Three cost estimates for artwork and exhibition-material transportation. - Three cost estimates for technical equipment rental. Applicants should ensure that the documentation is complete and submitted within the required application period. Who Is Not Eligible?

The programme does not support:

- Students. - Artists who have lived in Germany for less than five years. - Projects taking place in Germany. - Projects presented in the artist’s country of origin. - Exhibitions hosted by institutions that do not meet the programme’s non-commercial requirements. Applicants should review the complete programme requirements before submitting an application. Important Funding Rules Applicants should keep the following rules in mind: - The project must take place outside Germany. - The host institution must be a non-commercial museum, gallery, or art institution, or an eligible international exhibition format. - Artists must have lived in Germany for at least five years. - Artists must be part of the German art scene. - An official invitation from the foreign host institution is required. - Funding is reimbursed after eligible expenses are documented. - Invoices and receipts must comply with applicable German financial regulations. - Late applications are not considered. - Students are not eligible. - Funding for projects in the artist’s country of origin is excluded. How to Prepare an Application Applicants can prepare a strong application by focusin