Organizer Information
Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art is a philanthropic organization based in Vienna, Austria. Founded in 2014, its mission is to strengthen the presence of Austrian and Austria-based artists on the global stage. Funded by private members and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS), Phileas facilitates long-term partnerships with museums and biennials worldwide to enable the production of new artworks and their eventual donation to public collections. Over the past decade, Phileas has supported over 150 international projects, fostering a robust network for Austrian contemporary art.
Title & Description
Phileas: Call for Grant Applications for International Projects 2027
Phileas invites non-profit art institutions outside of Austria to apply for funding to support exhibitions, biennial participations, and projects featuring Austrian or Austria-based artists. The grant program specifically targets projects opening in 2027 that contribute significantly to an artist's international career trajectory. By providing financial support for production and exhibition costs, Phileas aims to bridge the gap between Austrian talent and global institutional visibility. The selection process emphasizes projects that prioritize the creation of new works, ensuring that the funding has a tangible impact on the artist's creative output.
Categories
Contemporary Art, Visual Arts, and Curatorial.
Eligibility
- Open to International non-profit art organizations (museums, biennials, and art institutions) located outside of Austria.
- Project Scope: Must feature an Austrian or Austria-based artist.
- Timeline: Projects must open during the 2027 calendar year.
- Exclusions: Applications from individual artists or commercial organizations are not accepted. Projects by international artists based in Austria taking place in their country of origin are ineligible.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Financial Support: Grants tailored to project needs, typically supporting production and exhibition costs.
- Production Enablement: Direct support for the creation of brand-new artworks.
- International Visibility: Strengthening the artist's presence in high-profile global venues.
- Supplementary Funding: Guidance on accessing additional public funds through the Austrian Federal Ministry (BMWKMS).
Fees
- Application Fee: Free to apply.
- Selection: Evaluated based on curatorial strength, feasibility, and ecological sustainability.
Application Requirements
- Project Description: Detailed outline of the exhibition, the artist’s practice, and its relevance to the host institution.
- Curatorial Info: Contact details for the project curator/manager and portfolios of participating artists.
- Budget: A realistic, detailed budget including other secured funding sources.
- Language: All application materials must be submitted in English.
How to Apply?
Eligible institutions must submit the full application via the Phileas online portal or email by the deadline. Apply via Phileas Grants Portal
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026.
- Evaluation Meeting: Within eight weeks of the deadline.
- Public Announcement: January 2027.
- Project Start: Projects must open in 2027.
Location
International (Host institutions must be outside Austria).
Additional Details
Phileas places a strong emphasis on ecologically sustainable resource management. Selection is final and influenced by the overall pool of applications and the artist's recent funding history. For exhibitions starting in early 2027, institutions are also encouraged to coordinate with the BMWKMS August 2026 deadline for supplementary support.