Organizer Information
Stiftung Kunstfonds is a German cultural foundation dedicated to promoting contemporary visual art and strengthening its role within society. Founded to support artistic production, communication, and discourse, the foundation provides funding opportunities for artists, institutions, and independent initiatives across Germany. Its programmes support the development, presentation, and mediation of contemporary art, from individual artistic processes to large-scale institutional projects.
The KUNSTFONDS_Plattformen programme is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) with resources from the German Bundestag. The initiative aims to strengthen physical and alternative platforms where contemporary visual art is presented, discussed, and communicated with the public.
The programme focuses on organisations, institutions, collectives, and independent curators that contribute to contemporary art discourse through exhibitions, symposia, conferences, and innovative public formats. It particularly supports projects that create spaces for artistic exchange beyond traditional art centres and metropolitan institutions.
Title & Description
KUNSTFONDS_Plattformen 2026 – Funding Programme for Contemporary Visual Art Platforms
KUNSTFONDS_Plattformen supports institutions, organisations, collectives, and independent curators developing ambitious projects that present and communicate contemporary visual art. The programme is designed to strengthen places and initiatives that contribute to artistic dialogue, public engagement, and cultural exchange.
Funding is available for complex, long-term projects, including exhibitions, conferences, symposia, and experimental formats that encourage artistic discourse. Supported projects should create opportunities for encounters between artists, audiences, and cultural practitioners while contributing to the visibility and development of contemporary visual art.
The programme welcomes both established physical art spaces and innovative non-stationary initiatives operating across different locations in Germany. It aims to support platforms that question existing structures, develop new approaches to art mediation, and expand access to contemporary art.
Projects may include artistic presentations, educational activities, public discussions, alternative exhibition formats, and other initiatives that promote exchange between contemporary art and society.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Projects
- Art Education & Mediation
- Curatorial Projects
- Artistic Research
- Symposia & Conferences
- Public Art Discourse
- Interdisciplinary Art Projects
- Cultural Platforms
Eligibility
The programme is open to applicants based in Germany who contribute to the presentation and communication of contemporary visual art. Eligible applicants include:
- Contemporary visual art institutions and organisations with supra-regional impact
- Art associations
- Art and studio houses
- Municipal galleries and museums
- Independent art spaces
- Non-stationary collectives of visual artists and cultural practitioners
- Independent curators organising public artistic projects
- Legal entities, individuals, free groups, and collectives that meet the organisational requirements
Applicants must operate physical platforms or organise artistic activities at public and supra-regional locations in Germany. Eligible applicants must:
- Demonstrate proper financial management
- Provide evidence that funding will be used according to the project purpose
- Submit required organisational documentation
Program Benefits & Awards
Funding details:
- Maximum funding amount: €80,000
- Minimum requested funding amount: €10,000
- Total project costs should generally not exceed €160,000
- Applicants must provide at least 20% own contribution toward total project costs
Eligible expenses may include:
- Artist and production fees
- Exhibition production costs
- Material expenses
- Transportation costs
- Travel expenses
- Insurance costs
- Printing and communication materials
- Necessary project implementation costs
The programme supports projects that follow sustainable approaches, including:
- Reusable materials and equipment
- Reduced energy consumption
- Sustainable event concepts
- Environmentally responsible mobility strategies
Projects may receive funding for activities such as:
- Exhibitions
- Public programmes
- Conferences
- Symposia
- Alternative artistic formats
- Communication and mediation activities
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Information about the applicant platform
- Proof of legal status
- Articles of association (for organisations)
- Authorisation documentation
- Shareholder agreement (for GmbH/gGmbH)
- Identity document (for individuals)
- GbR agreement with representation authorisation (for informal collectives)
Project Proposal
- Detailed project description
- Project objectives
- Confirmed list of participating artists
- Information about the project location
- Project duration
- Implementation timeline
Visual & Supporting Materials
- Project images (JPG format)
- Project dossier containing additional information about the proposal
- CVs of participating visual artists
- Images of artists’ works (PDF format)
Financial Documents
- Balanced cost and financing plan
- Budget document in Excel format
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Expected Jury Decision: End of October 2026
- Earliest Project Start Date: 1 November 2026
- Project Completion Deadline: 31 March 2028
- Final Proof of Use Submission Deadline: 31 May 2028
Location
Germany
Additional Details
- The programme does not guarantee funding; decisions are made by the KUNSTFONDS_Plattformen jury based on available resources and artistic quality.
- Applications must demonstrate strong artistic relevance, public engagement, and contribution to contemporary visual art discourse.
- Projects should have a clear implementation plan and realistic financial structure.
- Funding cannot be used for:
- Art purchases
- Interest payments
- Taxes
- Donations
- Construction projects
- Retroactive expenses
- Approved projects must maintain compliance with eligibility requirements throughout the funding period.
- A separate project account may be required for managing approved funds.
- Funded projects must submit financial and factual reports after completion.