Art² – a new grant for large-scale arts projects

The purpose of the Finnish Cultural Foundation’s Art² grant is to encourage broad-based projects providing new perspectives on artistic production that strengthen the quality of arts and attract wider audiences for different forms of art. Actors in all artistic fields can apply for the grant and it can also be provided for projects combining different sectors.

The purpose of the grant is to ensure that the parties concerned can plan and prepare their projects thoroughly and involve a wide range of different parties in the implementation process. There may be new models for cooperation between independent artists and established institutions in Finland and other countries, improved versions of existing productions and tours attracting wider audiences. The aim is also to make artistic productions more accessible to wider audiences and renew production structures.

A maximum of five recipients will receive Art² grants in 2016. The Finnish Cultural Foundation will provide between EUR 100,000 and 200,000 for one project for a maximum of three years. The grant may be used to cover the extra pay and other costs arising from the new cooperation, long-term preparations or such cost items as mobility.

Applications for the Art² grant may be submitted by registered arts associations, foundations and public arts institutions. If necessary, they can submit joint applications or join forces with independent actors. The grant is not available to private individuals or working groups acting on their own.

The first Art² grants will become available for application on 15 February and the application period will close on 11 March 2016. The projects receiving funding will be announced in August 2016.

More information here.