Based on Carl Jacobsen’s vision of presenting ‘living art for living people’, the New Carlsberg Foundation funds exhibitions that make art accessible to present-day audiences in an original and qualified manner, thus contributing to developing the sense of and appreciation for art in a broad demographic.

The New Carlsberg Foundation also regards the exhibition medium as important for the development of art and art history, supporting art’s constant striving for excellence. With the exhibition funding, the foundation wishes to support the efforts made by Danish museums, art centres and exhibition venues within this field.

The foundation will endeavour to have the range of funded projects reflect breadth and diversity in terms of artistic oeuvres and practices, media, curatorial perspectives, historic periods, geography, gender, art forms, etc.

The foundation believes in the importance of supporting exhibitions in many settings: at established institutions and among emerging art scene protagonists.

Who may apply?

Museums, art centres and non-commercial exhibition venues with a physical location in Denmark.

What can be applied for?

  • All expenses associated with the realisation of exhibitions, such as research and travel, artist fees, shipping, insurance, exhibition scenography, educational initiatives, communication, etc.
  • Costs for the production of works of art by Danish and foreign artists alike, provided that the artists are clearly given reasonable working conditions and that an agreement has been reached in advance regarding ownership, possible sale, etc.

Please note:

  • The New Carlsberg Foundation does not fund salaries for permanent employees.
  • Funding for exhibition catalogues should be applied for separately from the foundation’s publication grant.
  • The New Carlsberg Foundation does not support entire exhibition programmes
  • The same applicant/institution may only send one application pr. deadline.
  • The foundation does not accept applications for exhibitions that are already ongoing before the date of application deadline.
  • The foundation does not support the art academies' graduation exhibitions.

Application deadline

There are two application deadlines in 2026:
9 March and 7 September.
See more about deadlines and response times here.

Application process

  1. The museum/art centre/exhibition venue must submit an application via the Foundation's online system
  2. The Board assesses the submitted applications and either grants full or partial funding – or rejects the application.
  3. Responses are provided online through the application system.

Criteria

The New Carlsberg Foundation puts emphasis on the following aspects:

  • the exhibition should be original and of high quality.
  • the exhibition should address significant currents and issues in society in relevant ways.
  • the exhibition should take its starting point in Denmark while also applying a global outlook on art.
  • the exhibition should involve professional and passionate educational initiatives that makes art accessible, present and relevant to audiences.
  • any living artists involved must be remunerated for their contributions.

The application must include

Applications that do not meet the following requirements will not be processed.

  • One PDF file of max. 10 pages
    All application material must be compiled and attached as a single PDF file of max. 10 pages.

The (max.) 10 pages must include:

  • Project description – max. 2 pages
    This should address the fund’s criteria, describe the exhibition concept, selection of artists and works, and communication approach. It should also explain how the exhibition is anchored in the institution’s program and profile, as well as its relation to any existing collection.
  • Information about the exhibition period and opening hours
  • Visitor numbers for the exhibition venue in 2025, if known
  • Detailed exhibition budget and financing plan
    The financing plan must match the budget and show how funds will be secured for the realization of the exhibition. Include New Carlsberg Foundation, but also e.g., self-financing, named foundations that have been or will be applied to, other grants, sponsors, and other income contributing to realization.
  • CV/short bio of living artists – max. 1 page per artist
    If several artists are involved: make a prioritized selection.
  • Illustrations closely related to the exhibition – max. 5 pages

Reporting

When a project is completed, the applicant/institution must submit financial accounts and a short report providing information about the realised exhibition, its educational initiatives, and audience figures.

Further inquiries, please contact:

Application consultant, Ane Bülow, anb@ncf.dk, (+45) 31 24 61 65
Application consultant, Klara Pagh, kpt@ncf.dk, (+45) 61 69 21 12


APPLY HERE