Request for Proposals: Curatorial Research Programme (Denmark)

Deadline: 24-Sep-2026

The Visual Arts International Research Programme supports curators, art directors, critics, art mediators and other contemporary art professionals undertaking research trips to Denmark. Grants of up to DKK 15,000 per person can cover economy-class travel and accommodation for research visits typically lasting 3–7 days, helping professionals discover Danish contemporary art and build international collaborations. What Is the Curatorial Research Programme? The Visual Arts International Research Programme is designed to strengthen international exchange and promote Danish contemporary art internationally. The programme enables art professionals to travel to Denmark for focused research and professional meetings. Participants can use their visits to: Explore Danish art institutions and exhibition venues. Learn about the Danish contemporary art scene. Develop international collaborations. Establish future professional partnerships. The programme is therefore focused on curatorial research and professional exchange, rather than attendance at individual art events. Who Is the Programme For? The programme is open to professionals working with contemporary art, including: Curators. Directors of art institutions and exhibition venues. Art critics. Art mediators. Other relevant art professionals. Both Danish and international professionals may be eligible. Danish institutions may apply on behalf of foreign curators when they are responsible for organising and hosting the research visit. How Much Funding Is Available?

Applicants may receive up to:

DKK 15,000 per person The grant is intended primarily to cover: Travel to Denmark. Accommodation in Denmark. Travel and accommodation must be arranged in economy class. The committee may award less than the amount requested, depending on its assessment and available funding. What Is the Typical Research Trip Duration? A typical research visit lasts approximately: 3–7 days The applicant is responsible for developing the programme of the visit and arranging relevant professional meetings, studio visits and other research activities. Why Does the Programme Matter? International exchange can help strengthen connections between Danish contemporary art and the global art community. The programme enables visiting professionals to gain first-hand knowledge of Denmark’s art scene while helping Danish artists and institutions establish new international relationships.

Potential benefits include:

Greater international visibility for Danish artists. Travel for exhibitions that have already been scheduled. Local transportation of less than 15 km. Visa costs. Travel insurance. Entrance fees. Per diem expenses. An exception to the per diem restriction may apply to applicants from UN-designated least developed countries. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants can include Danish or foreign professionals working in contemporary art. International applicants should demonstrate that the proposed trip has a clear research or professional purpose related to the Danish contemporary art scene. A Danish institution applying on behalf of a foreign curator must organise and host the visit. How to Apply

Step 1: Define Your Research Objectives

Clearly explain what you want to achieve during your visit to Denmark.

Objectives might include

Researching specific Danish artists. Exploring a particular artistic movement or practice. Meeting potential collaborators. Studying Danish curatorial approaches. Developing future international projects.

Step 2: Develop a Day-by-Day Programme

Applicants are responsible for organising their own research programme.

Include planned:

Studio visits. Institutional visits. Professional meetings. Artist meetings. Curatorial discussions. Other relevant research activities. A clear schedule helps demonstrate that the trip is a genuine research visit.

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Prepare a realistic budget covering eligible expenses, particularly: Economy-class travel. Accommodation. Do not include excluded costs such as visa fees, insurance, entrance fees or short-distance local transportation.

Step 4: Prepare Your CV

The application requires a CV highlighting the 10 most important points of your professional background. Focus on experience most relevant to contemporary art and the proposed research trip.

Step 5: Provide Bank Information

Submit official bank information required for international fund transfers. Ensure the information is accurate and suitable for receiving the grant.

Step 6: Disclose Other Applications

If you are applying for funding for the same trip through other Danish Arts Foundation committees, this must be disclosed in the application.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Review the complete application to ensure that the goals, day programme, budget, CV and bank information are included before submission. Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should demonstrate:

Clear research objectives. Strong relevance to Danish contemporary art. A focused 3–7 day programme. Meaningful meetings and studio visits. Potential for international exchange. A realistic budget. Relevant professional experience. Avoid describing the trip as general tourism or broad orientation. The programme should clearly demonstrate professional research value. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Requesting funding primarily for an exhibition opening. Treating a conference or art fair visit as a research trip. Including visa or insurance expenses in the eligible budget. Requesting funding for local transportation under 15 km. Including entrance fees. Including per diems unless the specific exception applies. Failing to provide a detailed day programme. Omitting professional goals. Failing to disclose applications to other Danish Arts Foundation committees for the same trip. Using non-economy travel or accommodation costs. Curatorial Research Programme at a Glance

Programme: Visual Arts International Research Programme

Purpose: Curatorial research