Is the Open Call only for artists based in India?

The Open Call is directed at artists residing in India, keeping logistics and shipping support in mind. The grant is at present open to Indian artists who live and work here, and is intended to contribute to support systems available locally.

Is there any age limit for applying?

Artists of all ages may apply, as long as their practice is still emerging, even if they have had a 'self-organised' solo exhibition. A broad understanding of what counts as an 'emerging' artistic practice has been determined for the purposes of this grant based on whether the potential candidate has had the opportunity of a solo exhibition at a professional and established art space.

Is the project limited to installations?

We welcome all approaches to media and material. Project proposals may include a body of work that addresses a single concept/idea. Proposals for multiple bodies of work will not be eligible for consideration. Multiple elements coming together as a single project or a standalone installation, a schedule of performative dialogues with the space and audiences during the duration of IAF, experimental painting and sculpture, acoustic and sonic presences, discursive contexts, archival presentations and various other methods of working and presenting work are welcome as long as the project demonstrates an innovative and challenging idea, critical and independent thinking, advanced scholarship, and a new or experimental approach.

Can artist collectives apply to the project?

Previously established collectives and collaborative practices can send a send in a single application which meets all other criteria with support material on previous work by the collective/collaborative practice. In case of such applications, we recommend that you include a CV and statement that speaks of the collective/collaborative practice and not the independent practices of its individual members. Collectives and collaborations forged for the purposes of this application will not be entertained.

Is there an artist fee?

While there is no separate artist fee, the artist will receive an artist’s production support of INR 2,00,000 alongside installation support upto INR 3,00,000 which will be managed by PRAF and IAF depending on the requirements of the selected project. Even though production budgets are required at the application stage to ensure that the proposed projects are feasible within available funding, we do not expect a budget report or return of unutilised funds from the artist’s production budget, unless the artist's deliverables are not met.

Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee or any expense that the artist would need to meet in the showing of the work. However the upper limit for production related expenses will need to be maintained at INR 2,00,000 and installation costs cannot exceed INR 3,00,000 . If the project proposal addresses ongoing production or research that has previously received support from other funding structures, please indicate this in your application.

Will guidance and training for the project be provided?

Depending on the practice, mentorship sessions with established artists can be made available. The submitted proposal will be developed further in conversation with the PRAF and IAF team, and available mentors. Additionally, there will be necessary curatorial support from PRAF and IAF in the process of developing the project from the proposal stage, and advice on editorially presenting the project within the available space for exhibition purposes. The proposal submitted at the application stage will be a starting point for revisions and development by the artist in their working process.

Does the grant support only entirely new work or can older work be presented?

Only proposals for unrealised work will be entertained. Please do not apply with proposals for projects that have already been executed, even if unexhibited. Ongoing work will be considered, and if you choose to apply with an ongoing project, we recommend that you include documentation and supporting material that represents the stage that the work is at.

By when should the work be completed?

The final work needs to be completed and ready to be shipped by the first week of January 2026.

What counts as experimental?

The experimental approach of the proposal will be gauged by the jury members from their extensive experience of engaging with emerging practices and understanding of the Indian art eco-system, with the intent to support practices that surpass established modalities of working to make a meaningful contribution to artistic discourse; expand knowledge; are catalysts for future inquiry; raise awareness of an understudied issue; promote diversity in subject matter, and participants. All decisions of the jury members will be final and binding, except in the case of any discrepancy identified later on with regard to the applicant's eligibility, in which case the grant will be deferred to the second most preferred application. Feedback on unsuccessful applications will be available on request to shortlisted applicants after February 2026.

What are the deliverables from the recipient of the grant?

Prior to releasing the grant amount, once the applicant's eligibility is verified, the recipient of this opportunity will be asked to sign a grant agreement that outlines the conditions of the grant, production time frame, consent to mentorship and regular feedback sessions, and other deliverables from PRAF and IAF based on requirements already stated at the application stage that impact feasibility. The agreement will be discussed with the applicant selected by the jury prior to formalising it. An informal monthly report on the working process will also need to be communicated to PRAF and IAF to ensure that the work is ready in time to be shipped to the IAF venue. Additionally, the applicant will need to be present in India during the days prior to the opening of IAF 2026 for installation, and to participate in accompanying programs, should they be required to do so.

Will the project be available for sale at IAF?

This initiative is entirely non-commercial, and is with the intent to expand the possibilities and understanding of art making for artists and audiences. PRAF and IAF will not retain the work on consignment basis. All materials related to the project will be the property of the artist, returned to the artist's studio and under the artist's care after the duration of the exhibition. We will also not entertain third-party arrangements or agreements with commercial galleries interested in the artist's practice or other institutions that may wish to have a stake in the afterlife of the project. However, all future exhibitions of the exhibited project will be required to acknowledge the support of the grant, and state that it is a joint commission by PRAF and IAF.