Application Deadline:
30 November 2025
About Organisation
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, established in 1976, is one of India’s leading philanthropic institutions supporting exceptional talent in various fields, including arts, culture, education, and social development. The Foundation’s mission is to identify and nurture young Indian artists, scholars, and professionals by providing financial assistance, mentorship, and exposure to global opportunities. Through its grants, awards, and scholarships, Inlaks encourages innovation, experimentation, and independent thinking. The Foundation has supported a range of creative and research-based projects, fostering an environment where artists and thinkers can freely explore their ideas. Its partnership with the Asia Art Archive (AAA) reflects a shared commitment to documenting, studying, and engaging with the rich diversity of artistic practices and cultural histories in Asia. Together, they aim to support artists and researchers who challenge traditional approaches to knowledge-making through creative engagement with archives and collective memory.
About the Grant
The Inlaks–Asia Art Archive Art Grant supports Indian artists and collectives exploring new approaches to archives, art-making, and research. The grant encourages applicants to treat archives as dynamic spaces for creation, collaboration, and critical reflection. It is designed to foster interdisciplinary and experimental practices that bridge art, history, and social engagement. Grantees may use the opportunity to explore personal, institutional, or public archives—ranging from letters, photographs, and documents to databases, timelines, and digital collections. The program runs for one year, during which artists may conduct fieldwork, workshops, or other creative research-based activities. Unlike conventional art grants, this initiative does not demand a final artwork but values the process of exploration, documentation, and critical engagement. The collaboration between Inlaks and AAA aims to advance dialogue around archival practices and creative methodologies within South Asia’s art ecosystem.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to Indian citizens residing in India, including individual artists and collectives. Applicants should be between 25 and 35 years of age, demonstrating a commitment to art-making, research, and experimentation. Collectives are eligible, provided all members meet the individual eligibility requirements. Applicants must show a strong conceptual foundation and a clear vision for working with archives in innovative ways. Professionals working across diverse disciplines such as visual arts, performance, sound, literature, or digital media are encouraged to apply. The proposed project should demonstrate how archival material or archival thinking informs the applicant’s creative or research practice. Those who have previously received any Inlaks grant, award, or residency are not eligible to apply. The selection committee will assess proposals based on clarity, originality, feasibility, and their contribution to the broader discourse on contemporary art and archival engagement.
How to Apply?
Applicants must prepare a detailed proposal outlining their concept, research goals, and intended approach to archives. Required documents typically include a CV, portfolio, and project description. Applications are submitted online through the Inlaks Foundation portal during the open call period.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 30 November 2025
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
