Organizer Information

The Fondation Yves Klein, based in Lugano, Switzerland, is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the work and legacy of Yves Klein, a seminal figure of the 20th-century avant-garde. Founded by Rotraut Klein-Moquay and Daniel Moquay, the Foundation oversees the artist's archives, catalogue raisonné, and global exhibition projects. For 2026, the Foundation is launching a new research grant program designed to foster contemporary scholarship and encourage fresh narratives surrounding Klein’s revolutionary impact on art history, aesthetics, and the humanities.

Title & Description

Fondation Yves Klein: 2026 Research Grant & Residency.

This inaugural grant supports emerging scholars in renewing academic discourse on Yves Klein's work and ideas. The program includes a one-week research residency (five working days) in Autumn 2026, offering facilitated access to the artist's extensive archives in Paris and dedicated scholarly guidance. Grantees are invited to explore the resonance of Klein’s "overcoming of art’s problems" within contemporary societal, ecological, and cross-cultural debates. The initiative aims to support a new generation of researchers by providing mobility, resources, and a platform for public dissemination through the Foundation's official channels.

Categories

Art History, Research, Aesthetics, Humanities, and Archive Studies.

Eligibility

  • Open to International researchers of any nationality.
  • Age: Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
  • Academic Level: Must hold a PhD or postdoctoral degree.
  • Language: Strong proficiency in written and spoken French or English is required.
  • Field: Research must be grounded in art history, aesthetics, or the humanities with a clear connection to Yves Klein’s legacy.

Program Benefits and Awards

  • Research Grant: A total stipend of CHF 6,000 (disbursed in two installments).
  • Travel & Housing: All travel and accommodation expenses for the residency are fully covered by the Foundation.
  • Archival Access: Facilitated and coordinated access to the artist's archives in Paris.
  • Residency: One week of dedicated on-site research with tailored scholarly support.
  • Publication: Potential publication of the final 30,000-character text on yvesklein.com and other platforms (podcasts, lectures, etc.).

Fees

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • There are no costs for submission or participation.

Application Requirements

  • Submit a single PDF (max 10MB) titled LASTNAME_Firstname_research.pdf including:
    • Statement of Intent: (Max 4,000 characters) presenting the project and the need for archival access.
    • Curriculum Vitae: (Max 4 pages) detailing current position and publications.
    • Writing Sample: A previously published piece (book, journal, or online).
    • Letter of Recommendation: From a research professional.
  • Submission Method: Email to research@yvesklein.com.

How to Apply?

Eligible researchers must compile their materials into the required PDF format and submit via email before the deadline.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM CET).
  • Notification of Results: July 30, 2026.
  • Public Announcement: September 10, 2026.
  • Residency Window: Autumn 2026 (no later than mid-December).
  • Text Submission: April 2027 (six months post-residency).

Location

Switzerland (Lugano) & France (Paris Archives).

Additional Details

The grant is individual and cannot be awarded to duos or collectives. While the research does not need to focus exclusively on Klein, it must maintain a primary and relevant link to his work or theoretical framework. International applicants are responsible for their own visa arrangements, though the Foundation provides administrative support for the residency logistics.

Website Link: Yves Klein Research Grant