Organizer Information
Kulturfonds der Landeshauptstadt Salzburg is the official cultural funding body of the City of Salzburg. Operating under the municipal framework of STADT: SALZBURG (Culture, Education and Knowledge Department), the Kulturfonds supports artistic, cultural, and research initiatives that contribute to the city’s social, intellectual, and creative development.
The fund plays a key role in fostering innovation across disciplines, encouraging dialogue between art, science, and society, and strengthening Salzburg’s position as an international cultural hub. Through its annual awards and funding programs, the Kulturfonds promotes both established and emerging talents, while also supporting projects that engage with urban life, community building, and interdisciplinary exploration.
Title & Description
Kulturfonds Salzburg Awards 2026 – International Prizes for Art, Culture, and Research
The Kulturfonds Salzburg announces its 2026 call for applications, offering a series of prestigious awards across art, culture, science, and community-based projects. The central theme for the International Main Prizes is:
“Sharing the City – Exploring In-Between Spaces – Strengthening Togetherness”
This thematic framework invites artists, cultural practitioners, and researchers to investigate urban environments, social dynamics, and spatial relationships within cities. Projects are encouraged to explore how artistic and scientific approaches can activate public space, foster participation, and enhance collective experiences.
The call includes multiple award categories, combining international and locally focused opportunities. The International Main Prize for Art & Culture supports artistic projects that engage critically and creatively with urban spaces—whether through public interventions, interdisciplinary practices, or community-based initiatives.
Parallel to this, the International Main Prize for Science & Research recognizes research projects addressing social, spatial, and cultural dimensions of urban life, with emphasis on participation, cohesion, and quality of living environments.
In addition, the program includes several regional awards tied to Salzburg, aimed at recognizing excellence and supporting local cultural ecosystems.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Public Art
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Research / Science
- Social Practice / Community-based Art
- Cultural Projects
- Children & Youth Projects
Eligibility
International Main Prizes (Art & Culture / Science & Research):
- Open to international applicants
- Individuals, collectives, and institutions may apply or be nominated
- Projects must align with the thematic focus on urban spaces and social cohesion
Salzburg Prize & Funding Prizes:
- Open to individuals or entities with a clear connection to Salzburg (origin, residence, or project relevance)
Children & Youth Funding Prize:
- Open to:
- Schools, educational institutions, and organizations
- Independent individuals or groups
- Projects benefiting or created by children and young people in Salzburg
Program Benefits & Awards
International Main Prize (Art & Culture)
- €12,000 award
- Recognition of innovative artistic engagement with urban environments
International Main Prize (Science & Research)
- €12,000 award
- Recognition of impactful research addressing spatial and social urban dynamics
Salzburg Prize
- €10,000 recognition award
- Additional €4,000 allocated for a mentorship/patronage initiative supporting another artist, researcher, or institution
Funding Prizes (Förderpreise)
- Art & Culture: €6,000
- Science & Research: €6,000
- Children & Youth Projects: €6,000
These prizes support project realization, development, and continuation of impactful work within Salzburg or connected contexts.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (Einreichungsbogen)
- Motivation or justification of application/nomination
- Biography of applicant or nominee
- Description of project, initiative, or institution (if applicable)
- Outline of key achievements and focus areas
- Explanation of relevance to Salzburg (for local categories)
- Supporting materials (publications, awards, references, etc.)
For Children & Youth Projects (additional):
- Description of project group or institution
- Project plan including timeline
- Statement of intent
- List of collaborators (if applicable)
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email or post to: kulturfonds@stadt-salzburg.at
Kulturfonds der Landeshauptstadt Salzburg
STADT:SALZBURG – Kultur, Bildung und Wissen
Mozartplatz 5, Postfach 63
5024 Salzburg, Austria
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 May 2026
Location
Salzburg, Austria
Additional Details
- Applications can be submitted as self-applications or nominations
- Projects should demonstrate innovation, quality, and social relevance
- Strong emphasis on urban engagement, participation, and interdisciplinary approaches
- The Salzburg Prize includes a unique patronage component, allowing winners to support others
- Data protection policies apply (see official website for details)
For further inquiries, applicants may contact the Kulturfonds team directly via phone or email.