Overview

The Prince Claus Fund SEED Award supports emerging artists and cultural practitioners working in contexts where freedom of expression is under pressure. Through trust-based funding, the award recognises practices that respond critically and creatively to urgent social, political, and cultural realities, enabling early-career practitioners to develop their work with autonomy and long-term impact.

Eligibility

• Early-career artists/cultural practitioners (1–5 years professional practice, excluding study years)
• Practice should address pressing social/political issues relevant locally
• Little to no institutional recognition/support to date
• Must be from, living, and working in eligible countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe — includes South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, etc.
• Individual applicants only (no groups/collectives)

What’s Offered

• €5,000 trust-based grant to invest freely in artistic/cultural practice (materials, residencies, creation time, collaborations, etc.)
• Global recognition and connection with international cultural networks
• Opportunity to deepen your practice without restrictive reporting requirements

How to Apply

Submit a completed application via the Prince Claus Awards Platform, including work samples, CV, a reference letter, and a short pitch video/audio answering “What drives you as an artist?”

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 8, 2026 at 17:00 Amsterdam time