Promotion of Archaeology

The “Promotion of Archaeology” provides financial support to expert researchers, associations, and educational institutions in Lower Austria for field archaeological excavations and the scientific processing of archaeological finds. These are non-repayable grants, awarded continuously and without an application deadline. A prerequisite is official approval in accordance with § 11 of the Monument Protection Act as well as the main residence or project location in Lower Austria. Funded are projects that contribute to the documentation, interpretation, and preservation of cultural heritage and align with the objectives of the regional cultural concept. The allocation of funds is based on the budgets provided in the state budget and follows the principles of economy, efficiency, and appropriateness.

For the application, a comprehensive project description with detailed cost and financing plans is required. In addition to the fully completed application form, the following must be submitted: a comparison of income and expenses, cost estimate, construction schedule, and—depending on the legal form—association statutes or articles of incorporation. The Department of Arts and Culture of the State of Lower Austria professionally reviews incoming requests, publishes the amount and purpose of approved funding in the annual cultural report, and reserves the right to evaluate and monitor the proper use of funds. Project managers commit to complying with the funding guidelines, submitting accounting evidence in a timely manner, and maintaining transparency toward the control authorities of the state, the federal government, and the EU.