Acquisition of Artworks (Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation)

The Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation supports public art collections and museums in Germany through a continuously open grant program for the acquisition of artworks. Funding is provided for the purchase of outstanding individual pieces or groups of works, with the foundation assuming full or partial ownership depending on the level of involvement. Public institutions and non-profit organizations may submit applications digitally at any time as a single PDF, after having conducted a preliminary discussion with Dr. Martin Hoernes. The funding rate is 100% of the purchase price, which is considered the sole eligible expense. A prerequisite is proof that the artwork is indeed intended for a public collection and that all price negotiations have been exhausted.

The evaluation is based on the significance and status of the object, the appropriateness of the purchase price, the completeness of provenance documentation, and the quality of independent expert reports. For a complete application, the following documents are required, among others: a cover letter, a detailed object description (inventory number, dating, dimensions, technique, material, provenance), proof of purchase price with a financing plan, statement from the museum conservator, confirmation of price negotiations, at least two expert opinions from specialists, and an image of the artwork (300 dpi on DIN A4). Through this, the funding makes a central contribution to the preservation and expansion of the public cultural heritage in Germany.