The Prince Claus Fund is accepting applications for the 2025 Seed Award, which provides €5,000 grants.

The Prince Claus Fund is accepting applications for the 2025 Seed Award, which provides €5,000 grants to 100 emerging artists and cultural practitioners globally. This award supports individuals in the early stages of their careers who are addressing pressing social and political issues within their local contexts.

Eligibility Criteria:

Career Stage: Applicants should be in the initial 1 to 5 years of their professional career (excluding study years).

Artistic Practice: Candidates must have an innovative and engaging artistic or cultural practice that tackles significant social or political issues relevant to their local context.

Recognition: Individuals who have received little to no institutional recognition or support for their work are encouraged to apply.

Residency: Applicants must be from, living, and working in eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

Application Process:

Submission: Applications must be submitted through the Prince Claus Awards Platform.

Materials Required: The application should include samples of your work, a curriculum vitae (CV), a reference letter, and a pitch responding to the question: "What drives you as an artist?"

For detailed information and to apply, please visit the official Prince Claus Fund website: Application Website

Given your location in Kachia, Kaduna, Nigeria, you are eligible to apply for this award. This opportunity could provide valuable support for developing your artistic and cultural practice.

For any inquiries, you can contact the Programmes Coordinator, Emma van Schie, at e.vanschie@princeclausfund.nl. 

How to Succeed in Getting the Prince Claus Seed Award

1. Understand the Criteria:

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, particularly being in the early stages of your artistic or cultural career and residing in eligible regions.

2. Craft a Strong Application:

Work Samples: Include high-quality, diverse samples of your work that demonstrate your artistic innovation and address pressing social or political issues.

Pitch Statement: Clearly articulate your motivations as an artist. Highlight the societal impact of your work and how it reflects local realities.

Reference Letter: Choose a credible referee who understands your work and can vouch for your artistic potential and impact.

3. Show Cultural Relevance:

Focus on how your work connects with or challenges cultural and societal norms in your region. The fund values artists who engage with their local context.

4. Demonstrate Originality:

Highlight how your approach or technique differs from conventional methods. Unique perspectives are highly valued.

5. Engage with the Fund’s Vision:

Familiarize yourself with the Prince Claus Fund's mission of supporting artists addressing social change. Align your narrative to resonate with this mission.

6. Submit Early and Error-Free:

Avoid last-minute submissions to ensure your application is complete and free from errors.

Impact of the Program

1. Financial Support:

Each recipient receives a €5,000 grant, enabling them to focus on their creative projects without financial constraints.

2. Global Recognition:

The award enhances the visibility of emerging artists, introducing them to international networks and platforms.

3. Capacity Building:

Access to resources, mentorship, and workshops helps recipients refine their artistic practices and project execution.

4. Social Change:

By supporting culturally relevant and socially impactful work, the program amplifies voices addressing critical issues, fostering community transformation.

5. Career Advancement:

Recipients often experience accelerated career growth, with opportunities for collaborations, exhibitions, and further funding.

6. Networking Opportunities:

The program connects winners with a global network of artists and cultural practitioners, creating avenues for shared learning and partnerships.

By focusing on these strategies and leveraging the award's resources, you can maximize both your chances of selection and the long-term benefits of being a recipient.