Organizer Information
The National Centre for Visual Arts (CNAP) is a major public institution in France dedicated to supporting contemporary artistic creation, research, and dissemination across the visual arts field. Operating under the French Ministry of Culture, CNAP plays a central role in funding artists, researchers, curators, and critics through structured grant schemes, commissions, and acquisition programmes.
Its mission is to strengthen the professional ecosystem of Contemporary Art in France by supporting theoretical, critical, and artistic research that contributes to the development of the field. This specific programme is designed to support historians, theorists, and art critics whose work is validated through publication in academic or professional contexts.
Title & Description
Support for Research in Art Theory and Criticism – CNAP (France)
This funding programme by CNAP supports research in art theory and criticism for professionals working within Contemporary Art discourse. It is aimed at historians, theorists, and critics whose work contributes to published research, including articles or books.
The programme is designed to strengthen the integration of research-based writing into the professional art field and to support the development of long-term critical or theoretical projects. Selected applicants receive financial support to conduct structured research over a defined period, contributing to the fields of Writing, Research, Photography, Installation, Video/Film, Painting, Performance, Graphic Design, and other visual and media-based disciplines.
The supported research must begin no later than six months after the commission date and be completed within a maximum of 18 months.
Categories
- Art Writing
- Research
- Writing
- Art Critic
- Photography
- Video/Film
- Installation
- Painting
- Performance
- Graphic Design
- New Media
- Sculpture
- Drawing
- Printmaking
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
- French historians, theorists, and art critics (regardless of residence)
- Foreign applicants residing in France
Applicants must:
- Have completed their training and demonstrate prior professional work
- Be artist-authors or self-employed professionals
- Have not received CNAP research support in the previous two calendar years
- Not have received a negative evaluation from CNAP in the previous year
- Not to be receiving other public funding for the same research project
This programme is primarily aimed at established or mid-career professionals engaged in critical or theoretical research within Contemporary Art.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected applicants receive financial support in the form of a lump sum grant:
- €4,000
- €6,000
- €8,000
Funding can be used for:
- Travel and subsistence costs
- Research and documentation
- Technical assistance
- Equipment rental or reprography
- Writing and research time
This support enables long-term research and development within Art Writing and critical practice.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (online)
- Research project description (max 7,500 characters)
- CV including bibliography
- Five previously published texts
- Budget justification and expense proof
- Financial commitments from partners (if applicable)
- Proof of professional status (affiliation certificate, Kbis or RNE registration)
- SIRENE registration document
- Valid ID (PDF copy, both sides)
- Bank details (RIB)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Period: 30 June 2026
- Commission Dates: October 27–28, 2026
- Next Call: May 2027
- Project Duration: Must begin within 6 months of commission and end within 18 months
Location
Additional Details
- Applications must be submitted online only
- Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances
- Budget feasibility and research coherence are key evaluation criteria
- Projects are assessed annually by a commission of art professionals and institutional representatives
- Strong emphasis is placed on publication-based outcomes (articles, books, critical essays)
- Funding supports both intellectual production and practical research expenses