WRITERS
GRANT

The grant welcomes original proposals engaging with:

• Modern and contemporary art
• Artists, artistic practices and movements
• Design and architectural histories
• Material culture and craft histories
• The living traditions of India
• Exhibitions and curatorial histories
• Museums, galleries and cultural institutions
• Archives, collections and overlooked records
• Art education and pedagogy
• Regional and vernacular art histories
• Interdisciplinary approaches to visual culture
• Underrepresented histories, communities and forms of knowledge

Proposals may centre on a single artist, artwork, exhibition, archive, institution, movement, historical moment or broader cultural enquiry.

The proposed project should result in an original and standalone work of critical writing. Promotional texts, previously published essays and projects already commissioned by another institution are not eligible.

The Art Writer's Grant is intended for emerging writers developing a sustained engagement with art and visual culture.

Applications are open to:

• Art writers and critics
• Art historians and researchers
• Curators with an established writing practice
• Journalists writing on art and culture
• Academics and independent scholars
• Editors and cultural commentators
• Practitioners working across related fields of design, architecture, material culture and visual studies

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate a sustained interest in art, design or visual culture
• Present an original and clearly articulated research enquiry
• Submit writing samples that demonstrate critical and research abilities
• Show the ability to complete the proposed project within six months
• Be willing to participate in the editorial and mentorship process
• Submit a project that has not previously been published or commissioned elsewhere

A formal degree in art history, architecture, design, history, literature or a related discipline is welcome but is not mandatory. The quality of the proposal, the strength of the writing samples and the potential contribution of the project will remain central to the selection process.

Applications are open to writers living in India.

Each selected writer will receive:

Writer's Grant

A grant of ₹50,000 to support the research and development of the proposed project.

Six months of editorial mentorship

Sustained guidance from a distinguished international panel of writers, critics, editors, scholars and cultural practitioners.

Research and editorial support

Project-specific assistance through research development, structure, drafting, critical feedback and revision.

Facilitated access

Where possible, Gallerie Splash will facilitate introductions or access to relevant artists, exhibitions, archives, collections and research networks.

Publication

The completed essay will be edited and published digitally by Gallerie Splash as part of the Splash Catalyst programme.

Public engagement

The final project may be accompanied by a public conversation, reading or digital presentation involving the writer and invited respondents.

Each selected writer will develop an original essay of approximately 4,000–6,000 words, as well as visualise your research, and process in a physical space.

The completed essay should:

• Present a clear and original central enquiry
• Demonstrate rigorous and responsible research
• Develop a coherent critical argument or narrative
• Be written for an informed but accessible readership
• Contribute a distinct perspective to art and cultural discourse
• Meet the agreed editorial and publication timeline

The final form may be a critical essay, research essay, archival study, cultural history, extended profile or another form of long-form art writing appropriate to the proposed subject.

The specific form and final word count will be determined in consultation with the editorial mentors.

Over six months, each selected writer will develop their initial proposal through research, critical discussion, drafting and editorial revision.

The programme will begin with the development of the research framework and detailed essay structure. Each writer will then produce a complete first draft, receive editorial feedback and prepare a revised final essay for publication through Gallerie Splash.

KEY MILESTONES

October to March 2027

Research, conceptual development and mentorship

April 2027

TSubmission of the research framework, working bibliography and developed essay outline

May 2027

Submission of the first complete draft

June 2027

Editorial feedback and revision

July 2027

Submission and publication of the final essay

Applications must include all the components listed below.

1. Curriculum vitae

A current CV outlining:

• Education
• Writing and research experience
• Publications, where applicable
• Relevant academic and professional engagements

Project proposal

A proposal of 1000–1200 words outlining:

• The subject of the proposed essay
• The central enquiry
• The context and relevance of the project
• The proposed research approach
• The intended contribution of the writing
• Why the project is suited to the Gallerie Splash Art Writer's Grant

3. Project summary

A concise summary of up to 200 wordspresenting the central idea and intended outcome of the proposed project.

4. Two writing samples

Two samples that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to undertake critical, research-led writing.

Writing samples may include:

• Published or unpublished essays
• Articles
• Exhibition or catalogue texts
• Academic papers
• Archival or cultural research
• Substantial long-form criticism

Academic writing is accepted, provided the samples demonstrate the applicant’s individual critical voice.

5. Preliminary bibliography

An initial list of books, essays, archives, interviews, exhibitions or other sources that may inform the proposed project.

6. Indicative work plan

A concise six-month plan outlining the proposed stages of research, writing and revision.

All six components must be included for the application to be considered complete.

Applications will be reviewed according to:

• Clarity and originality of the proposed enquiry
• Relevance to art and contemporary cultural discourse
• Quality and distinction of the applicant’s writing
• Depth and feasibility of the proposed research
• Strength of the proposed structure and approach
• Potential to contribute a new perspective to the field
• Engagement with overlooked subjects, histories, or forms of knowledge
• Ability to complete the project within the six-month period
• Suitability of the project for editorial development and publication

A strong application should demonstrate both the significance of the proposed subject and the applicant’s ability to develop it into compelling, rigorous and accessible writing.

Applications must be submitted through the common Splash Catalyst application form below.

Art Writer's Grant

Applicants may submit their materials through

• An accessible Google Drive folder containing all the required documents

FILE NAME

Please title the PDF or Google Drive folder:

Full Name | Art Writer's Grant 2026–27

Applicants using a Google Drive link must ensure that:

• View access is enabled
• Every required document is included
• All files are clearly titled
• The link remains accessible throughout the selection period

Applicants wishing to apply for both the Curatorial Fellowship and the Art Writer's Grant must submit a separate application for each programme.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

20th September 2026

11:59 pm IST

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

QUERIES

[email protected]