Submit Applications for Artists Contacts Programme

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Artists Contacts Programme supports international exchange between artists and cultural practitioners from Germany, Global South countries, and countries in transition. Funding can cover travel, flights, accommodation, visas, overseas health insurance, and a daily food allowance of €28, with priority given to projects promoting artistic quality, democracy, diversity, human dignity, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and long-term international collaboration. Artists Contacts Programme Overview The Artists Contacts Programme supports international mobility and professional exchange within the visual arts and broader cultural sector. The programme is designed to connect artists and cultural practitioners from Germany, countries on the OECD DAC list, and countries in transition. Rather than supporting short-term travel alone, the programme aims to use international mobility as a foundation for: The programme particularly welcomes projects that contribute to democratic values, diversity, human dignity, social cohesion, and responsible use of environmental resources. What Does the Programme Support? The programme supports international trips connected to artistic or cultural projects. The support is intended to make international artistic exchange financially accessible while covering essential mobility costs. Family Travel Costs Travel and care expenses for family members are not eligible for funding. Applicants should therefore calculate their project budget based only on eligible costs associated with the participating artist or cultural practitioner. Important Project Requirements Projects must meet several qualitative and eligibility requirements. High Artistic Quality A central requirement is the high artistic quality of the proposed project. Applicants should clearly explain the artistic concept, objectives, relevance, and expected outcomes. Social Relevance Projects should demonstrate meaningful relevance to contemporary social or cultural issues. The programme particularly welcomes projects that strengthen: International or collaborative experience where applicable

Step 5: Prepare Visual Material

Applicants must submit visual material related to the proposed project or previous artistic work. Sound and video works can be provided through links in the application system.

Step 6: Collect Airfare Quotations

Applicants must provide three quotations for airfare. These quotations should support the proposed travel budget and demonstrate that travel costs have been realistically estimated.

Step 7: Upload the Required Documents

All supporting documents can be uploaded through the application system. Applicants should ensure that documents are clearly labeled and correspond to the information provided in the application. Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

Invitation from the foreign cultural or exhibition institution Description of the inviting institution CVs for all funded applicants Visual material relating to the project or previous work Three airfare quotations Links to sound or video works where applicable Applicants should also provide a clear description of the proposed project and explain its artistic, social, cultural, and international relevance. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can improve their proposals by making the connection between the project and programme objectives explicit.

A strong application should:

Present a clear and compelling artistic concept. Demonstrate high artistic quality. Explain why the international collaboration is necessary. Identify the benefits for all participating partners. Show potential for continued cooperation. Explain the host institution’s role. Document the host’s financial or practical contribution. Address diversity and social relevance. Include realistic travel planning. Consider environmental sustainability. Provide complete supporting documentation. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for a commercial project. Planning to sell artworks as part of the funded project. Failing to obtain the required invitation. Choosing a host organization that cannot provide meaningful support. Providing fewer than three airfare quotations. Applying for travel to their country of origin. Including family travel or care expenses. Applying as a student. Failing to demonstrate artistic quality. Overlooking environmental sustainability. Requesting funding that overlaps with prohibited support from the Federal Foreign Office, Goethe-Institut, or Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen. Key Facts at a Glance

Programme: Artists Contacts Programme

Purpose: International artistic exchange and cultural collaboration

Main fields: Visual arts and related cultural practices

Eligible participants: Artists, curators, art mediators, theorists, architects, designers, photographers, media artists, and eligible cultural institutions

Germany-bound projects: Applicants from eligible DAC countries

Projects in DAC countries: Eligible artists and practitioners based in Germany, subject to the five-year residence requirement for non-German citizens

Food allowance: €28 per day

Supported costs: Flights, travel, accommodation, visas, overseas health insurance, and food allowance

Invitation: Generally required from a non-commercial foreign cultural or exhibition organization or artist-in-residence establishment

Research trips: Exempt from the invitation requirement

Family costs: Not covered

Students: Not eligible

Country of origin travel: Not permitted

Airfare documentation: Three quotations required

Priority themes: Democracy, diversity, human dignity, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Artists Contacts Programme? The Artists Contacts Programme supports international exchange between artists and cultural practitioners from Germany and eligible countries, particularly countries on the OECD DAC list and countries in transit