Organizer Information
Kemmler Foundation is a Germany-based foundation established in 2020 as part of Kemmler Kemmler GmbH. Rooted in the values of the Kemmler family and inspired by co-founder Katharina Kemmler-Kitzinger, the foundation is dedicated to supporting and connecting artists, writers, and creative practitioners across disciplines.
The foundation positions art and culture as essential tools for addressing contemporary global challenges, particularly in times marked by ecological, social, and political crises. Its mission is to amplify voices that promote hope, sustainability, and positive social change. Through grants, commissions, and collaborative programs, the Kemmler Foundation works with both emerging and established practitioners while also supporting cultural infrastructure and institutions.
Title & Description
Kemmler Foundation Grant Open Call 2026 – Grants for Art Institutions in Germany
The Kemmler Foundation Open Call 2026 is a funding initiative designed to support small and mid-sized art institutions in Germany. In response to significant cuts in public cultural funding—particularly in Berlin—the foundation has shifted its focus for this edition from individual artists to institutional support, aiming to sustain and strengthen cultural infrastructure.
This open call invites applications from art institutions seeking funding for exhibitions, public events, or presentations of artistic work. While the call is directed at institutions, the funded projects may include the production of new artworks by individual artists or collectives.
The initiative reflects a strategic response to the current funding landscape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessible cultural platforms and supporting organizations that facilitate artistic production and public engagement.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Exhibition
- Public Art
- Installation
- Performance
- Interdisciplinary Practices
- Cultural Programming
Eligibility
- Open to mid-sized art institutions across Germany
- Open to small independent art spaces in Berlin (must have been operating for at least 12 months)
- Applications must be submitted by the institution itself
- Individual artists are NOT eligible for this specific open call
- Institutions outside Germany are not eligible
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected institutions will receive financial support as follows:
- 4 grants of €5,000 for exhibitions or public events (mid-sized institutions in Germany)
- Up to 4 grants of €2,000 for small independent art spaces in Berlin
Additional benefits include:
- Support for the production of new artworks
- Contribution to operational and programming costs
- Increased visibility within the German and European art ecosystem
- Opportunity to sustain and expand cultural programming during a period of reduced public funding
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project proposal outlining the exhibition, event, or presentation
- Overview of the institution and its previous activities
- Biographical information of participating artists
- Detailed budget specifying the use of funds
- Applications can be submitted in English or German
- Applicants have flexibility in how they present their proposal
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email to: applications@kemmler-foundation.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
- Shortlisted Presentations: Following initial review (date not specified)
- Project Implementation Period: May 15, 2026 – March 31, 2027
- Funding Claim Deadline: December 31, 2026
Location
Berlin, Germany
Additional Details
This year’s shift toward institutional funding reflects a broader structural challenge in the cultural sector, particularly in Germany, where public funding cuts have significantly impacted independent art spaces.
Funded projects may include:
- Exhibitions
- Public programs and events
- Presentations of artistic work
- Production of new artworks
The foundation emphasizes flexibility in project design, allowing institutions to tailor their proposals according to their programming needs and community engagement strategies.
Additionally, the foundation continues to support artists through other initiatives, including CO-ORDINATES, a European network of residencies and art spaces located in remote or peripheral regions. This network emerged from the EU-supported project “SPACE – Sustainable Production for Artistic Communities in Europe,” which focused on sustainability and visibility within the European art scene.