Phileas Austrian Contemporary Art Grants 2027

Overview

Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art invites non-profit art institutions outside Austria to apply for grants supporting exhibitions, biennial participations, and projects featuring Austrian or Austria-based artists. The grant program targets projects opening in 2027 that contribute significantly to an artist's international career trajectory by providing financial support for production and exhibition costs.

Eligibility

Applications must be submitted by non-profit art organizations such as museums, biennials, and art institutions located outside Austria. Applications from individual artists or commercial organizations will not be considered. Projects by international artists based in Austria taking place in their country of origin are ineligible.

Project Requirements

• Project must feature an Austrian or Austria-based artist
• Project must open during the 2027 calendar year
• Exhibitions and participations at international museums, biennials, and art institutions are eligible
• Priority given to solo exhibitions and projects that produce new artworks

Application Requirements

• Description of project, artist(s)' practice, and institution relevance; type, dates, participating artist(s) names, and relevant image material with captions
• Contact details for project curator or manager and portfolio(s) of participating artist(s)
• Detailed budget including secured funding from other sources
• All materials must be submitted in English

Selection Criteria

• Artistic and curatorial strengths of the project
• International significance of the project
• Profile and visibility of the applicant institution
• Opportunity to contribute to production of new artworks
• Potential impact on the artist's career development
• Feasibility with detailed, realistic budget and secure additional funding sources
• Commitment to ecologically sustainable resource management

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
• Evaluation Meeting: Within eight weeks of deadline
• Public Announcement: January 2027
• Projects must open in 2027

Fees and Awards

• Application Fee: Free
• Financial Support: Grants tailored to project needs, typically supporting production and exhibition costs
• Direct support for creation of new artworks
• International visibility strengthening in high-profile global venues

Additional Funding

Austrian or Austria-based artists collaborating with museums, biennials, and art institutions can also apply for funding through the Austrian Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS). For exhibitions starting January 2027, applications must be submitted to BMWKMS in August 2026; for exhibitions starting June 2027, applications must be submitted in February 2027.