Paul Mellon Centre Research Support Grants
Grant applications for our Autumn 2026 round of funding are open now and will close Monday 14 September at 11:59pm BST.
This round will be the first since we announced a new structure for our funding earlier this year and we are really looking forward to reading more about the inspiring research projects in the field of British art, visual culture and architectural history through the applications we receive.
Grants on offer
A new grant of up to £40,000 for organisations undertaking ambitious and sustained research in the field of British art, visual culture and architectural history that includes elements of three of our previous grants, the Curatorial Research, Collaborative and Digital Project grants.
The grant is designed primarily to support staff costs towards the facilitation of a research project with public-facing outcomes and/or legacy. The nature of the outcome is open; however, it could take the form of an exhibition, a digital project, a catalogue or similar form of dissemination.
Grants of up to £6,000 to support individuals seeking to disseminate research on British art through the publication of monographs, edited collections, catalogues and articles. The funding can support the practical elements of publishing costs, such as image copyright fees.
Grants of up to £6,000 to support organisations to produce publications related to their exhibitions and displays. The funding can support the practical elements of publishing costs, such as image and production costs.
Grants of up to £5,000 to support organisations seeking to make their collections freely available to audiences online via digitisation. The grant can support the costs of personnel working on the project, as well as equipment needed in the digitisation process.
Grants of up to £3,000 to support organisations to disseminate research on British art through live, online and hybrid events intended for a variety of audiences. The grant can support costs such as venue hire, accommodation for speakers and staffing.
Grants of up to £25,000 to help protect and preserve significant works of British art by providing organisations with funding to undertake original and needed conservation research. The grant can support the costs of staff working on the project, as well as equipment costs.
To support you in preparing your application we have published general application guidance, an updated set of frequently asked questions and a deeper exploration of what we look for via Our Funding Focus webpage. You can also find out more about previously successful projects and people here.
If you have any specific questions, or would like to arrange a meeting or call to discuss how our funding may be able to assist you and your research, then please contact our Grants team at grants@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk.
