Failey Exhibition & Conservation Grants
Failey Exhibition & Conservation Grants support cultural institutions’ exhibitions and object-based conservation projects to advance scholarship and public understanding of decorative arts and material culture.
Funder: The Decorative Arts Trust
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per grant; projects may take one to five years to complete
Summary: Supports exhibitions and object-based conservation projects that advance scholarship and public understanding of decorative arts and material culture.
Key Information: Recipient institutions must have at least one staff member maintain Trust membership throughout the project.
Description
The Decorative Arts Trust’s Failey Exhibition & Conservation Grants support noteworthy exhibitions and object-based conservation projects. Named in honor of the Trust’s late Governor, Dean F. Failey, the program encourages new scholarship in decorative arts, material culture, craftsmanship, and historic preservation.
The Trust seeks work that meaningfully advances the study, interpretation, conservation, or public understanding of decorative arts and material culture, with lasting benefits for institutions and their audiences. Projects should strengthen scholarship and generate broadly accessible resources through exhibitions, conservation, and related print or online content. Preference goes to projects where the grant serves a particular, meaningful purpose within the overall budget, and to work involving or led by young museum professionals. The Trust also seeks to support colleagues and initiatives reflecting the field’s full diversity.
