What we can support

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

Who can apply

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.

How to apply

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

Evaluation process

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.

Evaluation committee

Jakub Frank, Chair of the Committee

Niki Sommerová, Chair of the Board of Trustees

David Sommer, Member of the Board of Trustees

Magdaléna Hruška, Cultural Manager and Dramaturge

Marie Lukáčová, Artist and University Lecturer

Marek Pokorný, Curator and Director of PLATO Ostrava

Šárka Zahálková, Artist and Curator

Scope and limitations of support

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.

Application deadline: March 23, 2026

Expected announcement of results: April 27, 2026