Promotion of Visual Arts

Since January 1, 2014, the Visual Arts Funding Program of the State of Lower Austria has continuously supported innovative projects in the field of contemporary visual arts. Both material and immaterial project components such as exhibitions, installations, photography, media art, and annual programs of information galleries as well as art associations are funded. The aim is to strengthen a vibrant, diverse, and creative cultural landscape in Lower Austria and to provide Lower Austrian artists with access to the national and international art scene. Through grants for exhibition projects with a regional focus and annual programs of art institutions, artistic diversity is made visible and cultural impulses are generated throughout all regions of the state.

Eligible applicants include natural and legal persons, associations, non-profit organizations, companies, as well as public institutions with verifiable ties to Lower Austria (residence or project implementation). Requirements include a concrete project plan in the field of contemporary visual arts and a contribution to the objectives of the Lower Austria Cultural Funding Act 1996. Support is provided as a direct grant with an ongoing submission deadline. Evaluation criteria primarily include the cultural added value in terms of the state strategy, regional relevance, and artistic quality. The application must include a detailed project description, an income-expenditure calculation, an extract from the association or company register, a CV with Lower Austria reference, a portfolio (for artists), as well as the completed application form and funding guidelines. Thanks to the flexible funding structure, applicants from all branches of the visual arts can submit funding applications continuously and thus contribute to the cultural diversity in Lower Austria.