DRS Arts Grant 2027

About this call

The DRS Arts Grant, an initiative of DRS Arts Company in Ahmedabad, supports visual artists across India with ₹3,90,000 in grants and awards for 2027. Three grants are matched to the artist's age on the closing date, and artists under 30 may also be considered for the one-time Ravindra Salve Promising Artist Award. The money may be used broadly, for materials, studio space, research, travel, equipment, documentation, exhibitions or living expenses connected to continuing the practice, under a plan of up to 12 months, and may be paid monthly, quarterly or at once. Three independent jurors and one DRS representative review applications; shortlisted artists are informed on 7 December 2026, final results are announced on 17 December 2026, and disbursement begins on 1 January 2027.

Who can apply

• India only
• Medium: Painting / Drawing / Sculpture / Printmaking / Photography / Installation / Mixed Media / New Media
• Free entry
• Open to Indian citizens currently based in India who practise in the visual arts in any medium, formally trained, independently trained or self-taught, aged 18 or above on the closing date; Indian artists living outside India cannot apply in this cycle. Art students may apply. Your age on the closing date sets your category. No application fee. Apply through the online form (Google Forms) in English, Hindi, Gujarati or any Indian language; responses may be written, handwritten, audio or video where indicated. The form asks for personal details, a response about your practice (up to 500 words), 8 to 10 recent artworks with title, year, medium and size (JPG, up to 1 MB each, about 2000 to 2500 pixels on the longest side; links for time-based work), what you want to do next (up to 500 words), a written note on how the grant would help with an approximate budget and a timeline of up to 12 months (up to 500 words), a CV (PDF, up to 2 pages), and optionally an artist statement (up to 500 words), links and a note of up to 200 words. Artists may also be nominated. Selected artists sign a Grant Acceptance Agreement and provide identity, banking and tax documents, and provide reasonable documentation of how the grant has helped their practice. Payments may be subject to TDS or other statutory deductions under Indian law.