Exhibition Publication Grants 2026

Overview

The Exhibition Publication Grants support organisations in producing publications connected to exhibitions or displays that contribute significant and insightful research on British art. The exhibition may be forthcoming or may already have taken place. Funding can support the production of a manuscript, book, catalogue, or similar printed publication.

Who can apply

The opportunity is international and open to organisations, institutions, and non-profit organisations. Internationally based organisations are eligible to apply, and collaborative applications involving two or more organisations are welcomed. Individual artists cannot apply independently unless applying through an eligible organisation or institution.

Grant amount & eligible costs

• Image costs
• Publication and production costs
• Author or artist fees
• Designer costs
• Translation costs relating to original materials
• Other justified publication expenses, subject to approval

What is ineligible

Funding does not cover the full economic cost of a project. Overheads, indirect costs, and other operational expenses are ineligible. Funding cannot normally support new or revised editions of previously published works, translations of previously published works, or open-access publishing costs, though exceptions may apply where a publication contains substantial new research or analysis.

Key dates

• Application Deadline: 14 September 2026
• References Due: 23 September 2026
• First Assessment Round: 24 September–19 October 2026
• Second Assessment Round: 23 October–23 November 2026
• Final Decisions: By 27 November 2026

Application requirements

Applicants must demonstrate how the proposed publication will contribute to the wider field of British art, visual culture, and/or architecture, and explain how the grant will enhance the final publication. Referees are contacted directly after the application is submitted, and applicants are responsible for ensuring that their referee submits the reference by the applicable deadline.

After acceptance

Successful recipients must provide a copy of the resulting publication to the Paul Mellon Centre for accession into its library. Successful applicants must comply with the PMC's terms and conditions.

Other restrictions

Only one Exhibition Publication Grant application per organisation per funding round is permitted. The Centre provides accessibility support, including accessible application formats and potential additional funding for successful applicants who face extra costs because of access requirements.