Austria's Call for New Arts & Health Projects in 2026

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026 The CultureAndHealth Platform: New Arts and Health Projects 2026 is a funding initiative in Austria providing up to €8,000 for projects at the intersection of arts, healthcare, and social work. The program supports emerging artists collaborating with health or education partners to improve mental health through participatory programs, residencies, and research. Applications for the two-phase selection process close on February 15, 2026. The CultureAndHealth Platform initiative is a strategic funding call designed to integrate artistic practice into the healthcare and social sectors. By fostering collaborations between artists and institutional partners, the program aims to improve community well-being, specifically focusing on mental health and sustainable healthcare environments. Why It Matters: The Arts-Health Synergy Research increasingly shows that arts-based interventions provide measurable benefits in clinical and social settings: Mental Health Support: Reduces isolation and provides creative outlets for those with mental health conditions. Staff & Patient Wellbeing: Enhances the physical and emotional environment of healthcare facilities. Public Awareness: Installations and performances bring visibility to health-related themes that are often stigmatized. Institutional Sustainability: Moving beyond one-off events to establish long-term creative practices within local structures. Key Concepts and Definitions Arts in Health: A multidisciplinary field dedicated to using the arts to enhance health and healthcare environments through creative experiences. Participatory Arts: Programs where the target group (patients, staff, or students) actively creates or engages in the artistic process rather than being passive observers. Emerging Artist: Within this grant context, any professional artist (regardless of age) who is beginning to establish a career specifically in the interprofessional field of culture and health. Interprofessional Cooperation: Collaborative work involving professionals from different fields (e.g., an artist working with a nurse or a social worker) to achieve a common goal. Who is Eligible? To qualify for the 2026 call, applicants must meet the following residency and professional criteria: Location: All projects must be implemented in Austria. Status: Individual emerging artists or artist groups working in Austria. Experience Requirement: Applicants must meet one of the following: Demonstrable training at the intersection of arts and health. At least three years of professional artistic practice. Established artists seeking to pivot their practice into the health and social sectors. Partnership: Every applicant must have a partner organization from the health, social, or education sector (e.g., hospitals, schools, nursing homes). Funding and Benefits The program provides financial support alongside professional development opportunities: Grant Amount: Maximum of €8,000 per project (total budget of €24,000 for 3–6 projects). Payment Structure: 80% paid upfront; 20% paid upon successful completion and reporting. Platform Access: Includes international mobility, mentoring through Arts for Health Austria, networking, and visibility opportunities. Travel/Accommodation: Costs for platform events can be included in the project budget. How to Apply: Two-Phase Process The application is structured to minimize initial administrative burden while ensuring project feasibility. Phase 1: Initial Proposal (Deadline: 15 February 2026) CV & Portfolio: Document your artistic background. Motivation Statement: Explain your interest in the arts-health intersection. Project Overview: A brief description of the title, timeline, and the specific partner institution involved. Phase 2: Detailed Presentation (For Selected Candidates) Full Project Plan: Detailed objectives, target groups, and methodology. Budget Overview: Itemized costs for implementation and travel. Collaboration Agreement: A signed letter or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the partner organization. Safety Seminar: Encouraged attendance at an online seminar regarding protective measures for vulnerable populations. Important Dates for the 2026 Cycle Application Deadline: 15 February 2026. Phase 1 Results: 1 March 2026. Phase 2 Submission Period: 1–22 March 2026. Final Winner Announcement: 10 April 2026. Implementation Period: 17 April 2026 to 17 April 2027. Final Report Due: 31 May 2027. Common Mistakes and Tips Mistake: No Pre-Existing Partner. Do not apply without having already contacted a partner organization. Phase 1 requires a reference to the institution, and Phase 2 requires a signed agreement. Mistake: Forgetting Travel Costs. If you plan to attend international platform events, ensure these costs are calculated within your €8,000 request. Tip: Define Impact. Be specific about how your project will benefit the mental health of participants or the healthcare environment. Tip: Focus on Sustainability. Projects that show how they might continue after the grant period are often viewed more favorably. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. Can I apply if I am an older artist but new to the health sector? Yes. The term “emerging” refers to your experience in the interprofessional field of arts and health, not your chronological age. 2. Must the project take place in Austria? Yes. All implementation activities must be based in Austria. 3. Is the €8,000 per artist or per project? It is per project. If you are applying as an artist group, the total grant for the group is still capped at €8,000. 4. What types of partner organizations are eligible? Any institution in the health (hospitals, clinics), social (homeless shelters, elderly care), or education (schools, universities) sectors. 5. How is the money paid out? You receive 80% (up to €6,400) immediately after signing the agreement to start your work. The remaining 20% is paid after you submit your final report in May 2027. 6. Do I have to participate in the international platform events? No, participation is an additional benefit and opportunity, but it is not a mandatory obligation of the grant. 7. Is research funded under this call? Yes, “practice-based artistic research” that explores the impact of culture on mental health is explicitly included as an eligible project type. Conclusion The CultureAndHealth Platform 2026 call is a vital opportunity for artists in Austria to bridge the gap between creative expression and social impact. By emphasizing professional collaboration and mental health, the initiative seeks to create a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.