Explanatory notes about budgets for visual artists - Mondriaan Fund

Overview

Explanatory notes on budget guidelines for visual artists applying to the Mondriaan Fund. This document clarifies which expenses can and cannot be included in project budgets.

Support for Invested Time

Artists cannot apply for personal remuneration but may request support to cover invested time. The standard rate is €2,180 per month for full-time work (40 hours/week). Applicants must account for actual hours committed; support covers the application period only. Support for invested time includes all costs associated with the stay (accommodation, meals, local travel).

Eligible Expenses

• Material costs
• Equipment rental
• Hiring third parties (including travel and accommodation if applicable)
• Return travel expenses (flight, train, or mileage) to and from the main project location
• Equipment depreciation: calculated as (project duration in months / 12) × 33% × equipment cost ex. VAT. Example: 6/12 × 33% × €1,000 = €165

Residency Expenses & Publications

Support for invested time is halved if a residency fee is included in the budget or if the residency covers accommodation and meals. Artist book contributions may only fund special publications produced as autonomous artworks in editions of no more than 3 copies; other publications use the Publication grant instead.

Currency & VAT

Amounts must be stated in euros (€) excluding VAT. If expenses are in another currency, state the exchange rate and date. Submit proof from the Tax Administration if you are not liable to VAT.

Ineligible Expenses

• Unforeseen expenses
• Activities for an organisation, regular activities, exhibition costs, documentation, or presentation expenses
• Regular costs: housing, childcare, administration, studio rental, specialist literature, museum visits
• Office expenses: telephone, internet, postage
• Reproducing previously produced work, framing, or transferring work to another medium
• Recurring fixed expenses in the Netherlands (for Netherlands-based artists applying for trips/stays abroad)

Budget Totals & Personal Contribution

Total project sum = all eligible costs and time invested, minus any income. Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the total amount requested from the Mondriaan Fund (maximum 90% from the fund). Personal contribution can be a personal investment, third-party contributions, an interest-free loan from Fonds Kwadraat, or crowdfunding.

Budget Documentation

Budget submissions should be supported by quotes wherever possible. Justification (quotes) is mandatory for all entries exceeding €1,000. If multiple backers are involved, upload the total budget showing how the requested amount relates to the overall budget. Include proof of agreements (emails, contracts, letters of confirmation from other parties). An advance is awarded only if at least 80% of the budget is covered, demonstrated with letters of confirmation from other parties.