Gallerie Splash Writer’s Grant 2026–27 for Emerging Art Writers [₹50,000; 2 Grants]: Apply by Sep 20

Gallerie Splash is inviting applications for the first edition of its Writer’s Grant under Splash Catalyst. Two emerging writers will receive ₹50,000 each, six months of editorial mentorship, research support and an opportunity to publish an original long-form essay on art and visual culture.

Applicants may come from different academic and professional backgrounds. A formal degree is welcome but not compulsory.

Deadline: September 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM IST

Click here to apply for the Gallerie Splash Writer’s Grant.

Gallerie Splash Writer’s Grant 2026–27: Highlights

• Organisation: Gallerie Splash
• Initiative: Splash Catalyst
• Opportunity: Writer’s Grant 2026–27
• Target group: Emerging writers working across art and visual culture
• Number of grants: Two
• Grant amount: ₹50,000 per selected writer
• Duration: Six months
• Mentorship: Project-specific editorial mentorship
• Expected output: Original essay of approximately 4,000–6,000 words
• Publication: Through Gallerie Splash
• Degree requirement: Formal degree not mandatory
• Application mode: Online
• Deadline: September 20, 2026, 11:59 PM IST

About the Writer’s Grant

The grant provides emerging writers with the time, editorial guidance and financial support needed to develop substantial critical writing on art and visual culture.

Each selected writer will develop an original, research-led essay through research, drafting and revision. The programme seeks writing that is intellectually rigorous while remaining accessible to readers beyond specialist art communities.

Proposals drawing attention to underrepresented artists, histories, regions, communities and forms of knowledge are particularly encouraged.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to emerging writers such as:

• Art writers and critics
• Art historians and researchers
• Curators with a writing practice
• Journalists
• Academics
• Independent scholars
• Editors
• Cultural commentators
• Design and architecture practitioners
• Researchers working on material culture or visual studies

Applicants from varied academic and professional backgrounds may apply. A formal academic degree is not compulsory.

Age, nationality and residency restrictions have not been specified in the information available.

Areas of Enquiry

Proposals may engage with:

• Modern and contemporary art
• Art and design histories
• Living traditions of India
• Artists and creative practitioners
• Exhibitions and cultural institutions
• Collections and archives
• Cultural histories
• Architecture and material culture
• Interdisciplinary and research-led cultural practices
• Underrepresented communities, regions and knowledge systems

Applicants should propose a focused enquiry that can be researched, written and completed during the six-month programme.

What Will Selected Writers Receive?

Each selected writer will receive:

• ₹50,000 Writer’s Grant
• Six months of editorial mentorship
• Guidance from writers, critics, editors, scholars and cultural practitioners
• Research and editorial support
• Facilitated access, where possible, to artists, exhibitions, archives, collections and research networks
• Travel and research support
• Publication of the completed essay by Gallerie Splash
• Public engagement through a conversation, reading or digital presentation

The exact value and coverage of travel or additional research support have not been specified.

Editorial Mentorship

Mentorship may help selected writers:

• Define and sharpen the central research question
• Develop the research framework
• Identify relevant sources, archives and interview subjects
• Structure the essay’s argument and narrative
• Strengthen their individual critical voice
• Review and revise drafts
• Prepare the final work for publication

The programme is intended to support the writer’s individual voice rather than impose a uniform writing style.

Expected Outcome

Each writer will develop:

• An original essay of approximately 4,000–6,000 words
• A clear and focused central enquiry
• Rigorous and responsible research
• A coherent critical argument or narrative
• Writing accessible to informed non-specialist readers
• A visualisation or physical presentation of the research process and findings

The completed work must meet the agreed editorial and publication schedule.

Documents Required

Every application must include:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Project proposal of 1,000–1,200 words
3. Project summary of up to 200 words
4. Two writing samples
5. Preliminary bibliography
6. Indicative six-month work plan

All six components are mandatory. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Writing Samples

Applicants must submit two samples showing their ability to undertake critical, research-led writing. These may include:

• Essays or articles
• Exhibition or catalogue texts
• Academic papers
• Archival or cultural research
• Long-form criticism

Academic writing is acceptable if it demonstrates the applicant’s individual critical voice.

Application Submission Requirements

Applicants must create a Google Drive folder containing all required materials and provide its shareable link in the application form.

Before submitting, ensure that:

• The folder link is accessible to reviewers.
• All six mandatory components are included.
• The proposed project has not been published or commissioned elsewhere.
• The writing samples are the applicant’s original work.
• The application information is complete and accurate.

Selection Criteria

The selection panel will consider:

• Clarity and originality of the enquiry
• Relevance to art and contemporary cultural discourse
• Quality and distinctiveness of the writing
• Research depth and feasibility
• Strength of the proposed structure and approach
• Potential to contribute a new perspective
• Engagement with overlooked subjects or histories
• Ability to complete the project within six months
• Suitability for editorial development and publication

Strong proposals should combine a significant subject with a compelling and achievable writing approach.

How to Apply?

1. Visit the official Writer’s Grant page.
2. Prepare all six mandatory application components.
3. Upload the documents to a Google Drive folder.
4. Change the folder permission so reviewers can access it.
5. Complete the online application form with personal and project details.
6. Add the working title and project summary.
7. Paste the accessible Google Drive folder link.
8. Confirm the required declarations.
9. Submit by September 20 at 11:59 PM IST.

Applicants applying separately for another Splash Catalyst opportunity must submit a separate application for each programme.

Important Conditions

• Only two writers will be selected.
• The proposed project must not have been previously published or commissioned.
• Writing samples must be the applicant’s original work.
• All required materials must be included.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The ₹50,000 grant is awarded to each selected writer, not divided between both recipients.
• Selection does not depend on holding a formal degree.

Deadline

September 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM IST

Application Link

Click here to apply for the Gallerie Splash Writer’s Grant 2026–27.

Contact

• Queries: dm@galleriesplash.com
• Phone: +91 9899797347
• Address: Gallerie Splash, 87 F, Sector 53, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon, Haryana 122011