Grant Program
2026
✺ Applications are now open ✺
✺ Introduction
Singer-Zahariev Foundation has a strong belief in the value of making real-life contacts across borders and between diverse communities. Beginning in 2021-2022, the Foundation launched a program of grants to promote the aims of the Foundation which includes support for Bulgarian contemporary art institutions, artists and curators across the spectrum of the visual arts.
The main idea of the grant programme is to provide simple and non-bureaucratic funding for projects and activities which support international collaboration and connect artists and international art professionals. S-Z Foundation aims to support 5-10 projects annually.
The program was very well received, and we decided to continue it in 2026. This year again, the submission process is planned to have one deadline – 15 March 2026.
✺ Specific focus of support
✺ Supporting creative processes – production, documentation and performance of new artworks.
✺ Exhibitions, residences, contemporary visual art performances, on-site artistic interventions.
✺ Participation of Bulgarian artists in international exhibitions, biennales, and competitions.
✺ Involvement of international artists, curators, and institutions in contemporary art activities in Bulgaria.
✺ First-time participation of Bulgarian galleries at international art fairs.
✺ Print publications, catalogues, websites etc.
✺ Promoting contemporary art activities in regional centres and rural regions in Bulgaria.
✺ Other initiatives which promote the aims of the SZ Foundation.
✺ Requirements and process
✺ Priority will be given to projects which already have secured a significant share of the necessary funding e.g. financing from external sources (local, European or other international structures), but which have a funding gap and require additional funding to fully implement the aim of the proposed project or activity. The projects and activities should be not for profit.
✺ Proposals can be submitted by individuals, public and private institutions.
✺ The individual grant amounts will be in the indicative range of 300 to 3000 Euro.
✺ Submission process
Deadline for the submission of proposals for grants under the SZ CONTACT Program is 15 March 2026.
Project proposals should be submitted by filling out this google application form.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by the managing organ of the Foundation and evaluated according to the above criteria and the availability of budget.
It is expected that on average 5-10 projects will be approved annually for the duration of the Program.
Applicants may be asked to present the project in a personal interview and provide additional materials if necessary.
Projects selected for funding will be informed as soon as possible after the end of the respective submission deadline.
In urgent cases, where funding is needed in full before the deadline for submission, the decision on whether funding can be made available is taken in a shortened timeframe.
Successful candidates will be required to provide adequate visibility and publicity to the support of the Foundation in all communications and social media relating to the project.