Organizer Information
The Swedish Arts Grants Committee (Konstnärsnämnden) is a Swedish government agency that provides grants and other forms of support to professional artists. Its programs are designed to strengthen artistic development, improve artists’ working conditions, and facilitate international exchange. Through its international grants, the Committee supports Swedish-based artists in developing professional relationships and opportunities abroad, as well as bringing international artists to Sweden for meaningful artistic exchanges.
Title & Description
Swedish Arts Grants Committee: International Exchanges and Travel Grants
International Exchanges and Travel Grants support professional artists working in visual and applied arts who want to develop their artistic practice and international professional networks. The program has two main forms of support: international exchanges and travel abroad, and international exchanges in Sweden.
Artists may seek funding for activities such as exhibitions, residencies, work stays, workshops, guest performances, conferences, research trips, short courses, or meetings with international collaborators. The proposed travel or exchange must contribute to the applicant’s artistic development or create new professional opportunities.
Artists can also invite one or more international artists to Sweden for collaborative projects, workshops, seminars, symposia, or other knowledge-sharing activities. The emphasis is on meaningful artistic exchange and strengthening international contacts.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Photography
- Design
- Crafts
- Illustration
- Textile Art
- Architecture
- Applied Arts
Eligibility
The program is primarily intended for professional artists who are residents of Sweden or who practice most of their art in Sweden. Applicants may be Swedish or foreign citizens, provided they satisfy the residency or professional-practice requirement.
Applicants must earn all or part of their livelihood from their artistic activities and regularly present their work to an audience or within an artistic context. Applicants cannot be studying more than 50% of their time when the funding decision is made.
Applicants must also meet financial and legal requirements, including having no qualifying debts transferred to the Swedish Enforcement Authority or being declared bankrupt. Applicants must not have received more than €300,000 in de minimis aid during the previous three-year period.
Program Benefits & Awards
There is no fixed maximum grant amount. Funding can typically cover travel and living expenses and, where applicable, transportation and participation fees. For international exchanges in Sweden, funding can generally cover the invited artist’s travel and living expenses.
The grant does not cover production costs, the applicant’s own fees or salaries. Swedish institutions hosting an exchange within their activities must cover the exchange costs themselves.
The minimum grant awarded is SEK 5,000. Grants are tax-exempt and are paid into the applicant’s stated private account within six weeks after the award decision is announced.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 September 2026
Location
Sweden
Additional Details
Work samples are mandatory. Applicants should submit 5–10 current and representative samples, preferably from the previous two years. Accepted formats include JPG (up to 2 MB), MP3 (20 MB), and MP4/MOV (50 MB).
For an exchange involving an invitation or agreement with an international partner, applicants should include an invitation specifying the planned activity, dates, and responsibilities such as accommodation, venue, fees, or payment.
Applications are assessed by the Visual Artists’ Fund, with practising artists and art experts reviewing applications. Decisions consider both the artistic quality of the proposed activity and the applicant’s financial need.
If the planned activity changes significantly or is cancelled, the Committee must be contacted immediately. Recipients must acknowledge the support in communications using the wording “with support from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee.”