Mrinalini Mukherjee Creative Arts Grant 2026

The Mrinalini Mukherjee Foundation honours the legacy of sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee (1949–2015), one of India's most significant artists, by supporting the work of contemporary Indian artists. The Creative Arts Grant is the foundation's flagship annual award, structured to fund a single ambitious project rather than supplement an existing practice.

The grant amount is INR 10 lakhs — roughly USD 12,000 — disbursed in two equal installments. Eligible disciplines span the visual arts broadly: painting, sculpture, mural, textile, printmaking, performance art, and lens and media-based art, including projects working at the intersection of these forms.

Eligibility is tightly defined. Applicants must be Indian citizens currently residing in India, with a minimum of fifteen years of professional practice after graduate or postgraduate study. Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizens of India, and Persons of Indian Origin are not eligible. Both individual artists and collectives may apply.

The brief emphasises innovation and experimentation. The foundation is looking for projects that mark a shift, a new direction, or a willingness to test fresh ideas, materials, and methods rather than continuations of established work. Applications require a project proposal with budget and timeline (up to 1,000 words), a portfolio, and a detailed CV. Submission is free, through the foundation's website. The deadline is May 15, 2026.