Application Deadline:
15 January 2026
About Organisation
The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) is a leading philanthropic foundation based in Denmark, supporting scientific, educational, and cultural advancements. Established to foster knowledge creation and innovation, the foundation funds research in health sciences, natural sciences, sustainability, and arts. Through its diverse programmes, NNF aims to strengthen research capacity, promote international collaboration, and enhance Denmark’s global reputation as a hub for academic and creative excellence.
The Foundation’s commitment extends beyond funding—it actively supports partnerships that integrate science, culture, and art, emphasizing their intersection in shaping human understanding. Its art and art history initiatives are designed to strengthen connections between international researchers, artists, and Danish institutions. By providing opportunities for visiting scholars and practitioners, NNF nurtures artistic inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that enrich Denmark’s artistic and educational landscape. This program embodies NNF’s belief in the transformative potential of cross-border collaboration and artistic research.
About the Grant
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Visiting Scholarship in Art and Art History 2026 invites international researchers and artists to collaborate with Danish universities and art institutions. The program aims to enhance Denmark’s research and teaching environment in the visual arts through high-level exchanges and collaborative projects.
Each scholarship offers up to DKK 1.6 million for a stay lasting between three to twelve months, either as one continuous visit or through multiple visits across Danish institutions. Funding can cover salary or honorarium for the visiting scholar, travel, accommodation, relocation, publication costs (up to DKK 50,000), workshops, and small-scale collaborative events. Administrative support of up to five percent is also eligible.
The grant focuses on projects that integrate art history, fine arts, and visual culture while contributing meaningfully to the host institution’s academic ecosystem. Large conferences, commercial work, and indirect costs are not covered. Applications must clearly disclose any other sources of funding to prevent duplication. This initiative strengthens Denmark’s artistic networks by attracting leading international talent and fostering intellectual exchange in the visual arts.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants are universities and higher art education institutions in Denmark with active research and teaching programmes in art history and fine arts. Design, architecture, film, and music schools are not eligible to apply.
The visiting scholar must be an international researcher or artist at the level of tenure-track assistant professor, associate professor, or professor from a recognized university, research institute, or art academy. Practicing artists not affiliated with an institution may also apply, provided their qualifications are formally assessed and certified by the Danish host institution as equivalent to a tenure-track level.
During the scholarship period, the visiting scholar must engage fully with the Danish host institution through teaching, mentoring, masterclasses, and collaborative research. The host institution will act as the main applicant and administrative body. Collaboration among multiple Danish institutions as co-applicants is allowed.
Applicants may submit only one proposal per calendar year, and it is their responsibility to clarify all administrative, tax, and residence permit obligations. Selection is based on academic excellence, project relevance, and the visiting scholar’s potential to enrich the host institution’s teaching and research ecosystem.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted by a leading researcher at the Danish host institution through the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s online system. Each application should include a detailed project plan, budget, CV, publications list (max two pages), and written consent from the visiting scholar. Evaluation is conducted by NNF’s Committee on Research in Art and Art History based on academic merit and institutional relevance.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Visiting Scholarship in Art and Art History 2026 must be submitted by 15 January 2026 at 2:00 PM (CET).
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
