History of Art Grants
The History of Art Grants from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation support scholarly projects that deepen understanding of European art and architecture from antiquity to the early 19th century.
Funder: Samuel H. Kress Foundation
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (LOI, Fall cycle) | November 1, 2026 (Full application, Fall cycle) | March 1, 2027 (LOI, Spring cycle) | April 1, 2027 (Full application, Spring cycle)
Funding Amounts: Typical requests range from $10,000–$100,000; project budgets often $30,000+; duration generally 1 year.
Summary: Supports scholarly projects that advance understanding of European art and architecture from antiquity through the early 19th century.
Key Information: Grants are made to U.S. 501(c)3 organizations; international applicants require a U.S. fiscal sponsor.
Description
The History of Art Grants program from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation funds scholarly projects that deepen appreciation and understanding of European art and architecture spanning antiquity to the early nineteenth century. Eligible projects include archival research, scholarly databases, documentation efforts, museum exhibitions and publications, photographic campaigns, scholarly catalogues, and technical or scientific studies. The program also supports international scholarly exchanges, conferences, symposia, and mentored professional development opportunities in art museums—especially those fostering collaboration between museum educators and curators. As of August 2025, the program incorporates Digital Art History and Interpretive Fellowships, broadening its scope to support digital methodologies and interpretive training in the field.
