ARCHÉ
Programme Supporting the Creation of an Artwork, Exhibition, Publication, or Research Project

• Barbora Fastrová CZK 100 000
• František Felix CZK 80 000
• Kristina Fingerland CZK 168 000
• Klaudie Hlavatá CZK 100 000
• Martin Horák CZK 100 000
• Eva Houdová CZK 53 000
• Šimon Chovan CZK 50 000
• Barbora Ilič CZK 59 000
• Jindřiška Jabůrková CZK 104 000
• Johana Merta CZK 150 000
• Marie Tučková CZK 176 000

The committee, composed of Jakub Frank, Magdaléna Hruška, Marie Lukáčová, Marek Pokorný, Niki Sommerová, David Sommer, and Šárka Zahálková, reviewed a total of 114 applications. We decided to support the selected projects with a total amount of CZK 1 140 000.

Clarity and clearly defined outcomes were key factors in the evaluation. This included the ability to formulate the project’s outcome and the way it would be presented or published in a clear and comprehensible manner. The overall clarity of the application, including the use of text and figures, was also important. While AI can be helpful, a clearly articulated artistic intention, personal position, and the individuality of each story remain irreplaceable alongside project-oriented language.

The creative ambition of the projects also played an important role, as did their potential to develop a topic beyond standard production, bring forward new ideas, and move towards ambitious outcomes. The support should have a clear impact on the scope or depth of the resulting project and, more broadly, contribute to the applicants’ further artistic development.

The submitted materials — especially portfolios, project visualisations, and similar documents — were also important to us, as they allowed us to better understand your creative practice and the proposed project. Another recurring topic was the structure and transparency of budgets, including the appropriateness of costs, relevant remuneration for your own creative work — which should not be overlooked — and a clear definition of the roles of other involved parties, such as galleries, organisers, or co-funding partners.

Although we decided not to exclude applications from this open call on the basis of formal categorisation, it became clear that some projects, by their nature, extended beyond the field of contemporary art, which is the primary focus of this open call. Going forward, we therefore want to communicate this scope more clearly and emphasise that contemporary art practices represent the main area of our support, while also recognising that the boundaries between genres are fluid and flexible.

Please note that the NESTOR mentoring programme is open until 11 May. We are also already preparing further independent open calls: one focused on supporting international mobility, to be announced on 15 June 2026, and another aimed at improving conditions for artistic production, such as studio rent, materials, or equipment, which we plan to launch in autumn 2026.

We also recommend paying attention to the parallel open call by NSU Praha, whose conditions overlap with ARCHÉ in several respects. Applications are open until 15 May 2026.
www.nsupraha.cz

The ARCHÉ programme aims to improve the working, production, and living conditions of artists at the beginning of their professional careers, as well as those who find themselves in complex life or professional circumstances. The support is focused on the creation, realisation, or completion of a specific artistic project.

At the same time, the programme seeks to enable artists to concentrate on projects that take them beyond their established practice, encourage experimentation, and open space for works that are difficult to support through other funding sources.

Within this call, applicants may request support in the amount of CZK 50,000–200,000.

The Kalliopi Endowment will distribute a total of CZK 1,140,000 within this programme.

Support may be provided for:

• the realisation of an artwork, exhibition, publication, or artistic research project
• production costs directly related to the project (materials, technical services, external collaborators, etc.)
• costs related to the public presentation of the project
• other justified expenses essential to the implementation of the project

The call is open to Czech artists and artists based in the Czech Republic who are at an early stage of their career or who are experiencing challenging circumstances, for example following a forced or voluntary career break.

There is no age limit. Applicants must clearly justify why support is relevant and necessary in their specific situation.

Artistic groups and collectives may submit a joint application through a single applicant acting on behalf of the group.

Applications are submitted via the internal online application system available directly on the website kalliopi.cz. Applicants create an account, complete the online form, and upload the required attachments.

Application management and communication take place via the online system and email.

Application must include:

• CV and personal details of the artist(s) involved in the project
• contact information
• project description
• portfolio (visual materials)
• project budget

All complete and formally valid applications are assessed by an expert committee appointed by the Kalliopi Endowment. In case of ambiguities, applicants may be contacted with follow-up questions.

The committee consists of seven members: three external experts and four members nominated from the Endowment’s Board of Trustees and management. In the event of a tied vote, the deciding vote rests with the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

The primary evaluation criterion is the quality of the proposed project and its contribution to the field and to society. The committee will also consider originality, willingness to experiment, and the novelty of the proposed approach.

Supported projects will be presented on the Endowment’s website and social media through a dedicated presentation section. This section will introduce both the projects and their authors and will include interviews, studio documentation, and additional materials offering insight into their practice.

The support is not intended for long-term operational funding, tuition fees, rent, or general living expenses unrelated to the project.

The Kalliopi Endowment does not aim to fully finance projects; the support is conceived as a targeted contribution intended to enable the project’s realisation or significantly improve the conditions of its creation. Proof of co-financing is not required.

The programme is not intended for students of art schools (with the exception of doctoral candidates) or for artists with stable institutional backing (e.g. gallery representation, permanent academic positions).

Only one application may be submitted per project (artwork, exhibition, etc.).

The project must be completed within one year of the support being awarded, i.e. by May 2027.

Support is granted to individuals, not organisations. This ensures that funds are directed directly to those for whom they are intended. Organisations interested in supporting the creation of a specific work or project may assist the artist in preparing the application.

If the application concerns the creation of a new artwork, the work must be publicly presented (exhibited or otherwise publicly shared). In the case of a publication or research project, outputs must be made publicly available within two years of the award of support.

Can I contact the Endowment if something in the call is unclear?
During the application period (until 16 March), applicants may submit questions related to the programme. Answers will be published under the call in the FAQ section.

Will this call be repeated?
The ARCHÉ call supporting the creation of an artwork, exhibition, publication, or research project is announced annuallyccc. The total amount of funding may vary from year to year.

I do not qualify for the current call. Can I apply for support at another time?
The ODYSSEAS call supporting international mobility will be announced in spring 2026.

How will the support be paid out?
If your application is approved, we will conclude a contract with you and transfer the full amount to your bank account.

I am in my final year of studies and will graduate this year. Can I apply for support?
The call is not intended for students of secondary schools or universities. The applicant must not be enrolled at a university at the time of submitting the application. An exception applies to doctoral students.