Organizer Information
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS) is the central government body responsible for cultural policy and the promotion of the arts in Austria. Through its Department of Arts and Culture, the Ministry provides extensive funding and structural support to professional artists. The "Startstipendien" (Start-up Grants) are a flagship initiative specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic study and a sustainable professional career, fostering the next generation of creative talent within the Austrian and international landscape.
Title & Description
Start-up Grants 2026 (Startstipendien 2026)
The Start-up Grants represent a significant investment in the future of the arts, with up to 90 scholarships awarded annually. These grants are intended to facilitate the transition into the professional art world for emerging artists and graduates. The program provides financial freedom for six months, allowing recipients to work on new projects, advance their artistic research, and establish a foothold in the professional scene. The focus is on recognizing artistic quality and providing the necessary resources for creative development at a critical career juncture.
Categories
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
- Performing Arts
- Design (including Fashion)
- Film
- Photography
- Literature
- Media Art
- Music
Eligibility
- Career Stage: Young professional artists and recent graduates at the start of their careers.
- Nationality/Residency: Applicants must be Austrian citizens or have their primary residence in Austria for at least the last three years.
- Academic Status: Currently enrolled students are not eligible (with the exception of doctoral/PhD students).
- Age/Degree Limit: Applicants must have obtained their relevant degree within the last five years (post-January 2021). For those without a degree, the birth date must be after December 31, 1990 (under 35 years old).
- Professional Requirement: Must demonstrate initial professional implementation (e.g., at least two exhibitions for visual arts/photography or two public productions for music/performing arts).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Grant Amount: A total of €9,000 per recipient, paid in monthly installments of €1,500 over six months.
- Bonus: Applicants receiving the increased child benefit (Familienbeihilfe) for at least one child may receive an additional €400 per month.
- Mentoring: Special mentoring programs are available for 10 women in Architecture/Fine Arts/Photography/Media Art (via the Academy of Fine Arts) and 10 artists in Music (via MuFA – Music for All).
- Professionalization: Enhanced visibility and recognition by the national Ministry.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project Description: A description of the planned project (max. 2 A4 pages).
- Literature Samples: For literature applicants only (approx. 10 pages of text).
- Professional CV: Documenting education and artistic activities to date.
- Portfolio: Documentation of recent work (images, links to films/performances, publication list).
- Administrative Docs: Proof of residency (Meldezettel), copy of passport, and degree certificate (if applicable).
- Funding List: Disclosure of any public funding received in the last three years.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
- Jury Selection: Expected in Spring 2026
- Grant Commencement: The scholarship must be started within the 2026 calendar year.
Location
Austria
Additional Details
The selection process is highly competitive and based on the recommendations of independent expert juries for each discipline. Recipients are required to submit a final report and documentation of their activities no later than three months after the grant period ends. For film applicants, participation in a specific accompanying program is mandatory.