Funding of Exhibitions in the Cultural Sector

With the continuously open grant funding for solo exhibitions in the cultural sector, the State of Lower Austria strengthens the cultural commitment of municipalities, associations, public institutions, and private individuals. The funding supports thematically free projects (excluding special exhibitions of visual arts) that present historical, cultural-historical, local-regional, or various thematic works. A clear connection to Lower Austria is a prerequisite – either through main residence, association, or project location. Since 01.01.2014, applications can be submitted at any time; the funding is unlimited and aligned with the objectives of the Lower Austria Cultural Funding Act 1996 as well as the regional cultural concept.

For the application, a completed application form and a detailed project budget including proof of own contributions and third-party financing must be submitted. In the case of a separate request for a printing cost subsidy, a print shop cost estimate and a text sample are additionally required. Legal applicants must submit, in addition to the standard documents, the association statutes or articles of association/cooperative contract. Expenses for value-added tax are not eligible for funding; therefore, any input tax deduction entitlement must be considered in the financial planning. After the exhibition has been realized, a final report with a comparison of all income and expenses as well as a statistical data sheet must be submitted. The multi-stage verification process ensures transparency and cost-effectiveness in the use of funds and contributes to achieving the funding objectives.