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Grants & Awards

Art does not arrive through one route, and neither do artists.

Some come through art schools. Some learn independently. Some are self-taught. Some begin early, some find their practice later. What matters to us is the work, the commitment behind it and the possibility of where it can go.

Who can apply

The DRS Arts Grant is open to Indian citizens based in India, across the visual arts. Formally trained, independently trained and self-taught artists are all welcome.

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Photography
  • Installation
  • Mixed media
  • Digital & new media
  • Other forms of visual art

How support is released

There is no one-size-fits-all way to support an artist. Depending on the project, the artist's needs and what would be most useful at that stage of the practice, a grant may be released monthly, quarterly or in a single payment. The final structure is decided by DRS Arts Company® after selection, with the artist and the proposed work in mind.

The Ravindra Salve Promising Artist Award is presented as a one-time award of ₹30,000.

A painted portrait of a figure in a dark hat against a yellow sky
Artist Name, Title of Artwork

Grant 01

DRS Artist Grant

₹2,40,000

Age: 30 years and above
Who it is for
Practising visual artists with a sustained body of work.
What matters
Seriousness of practice, quality of work, clarity of thought, artistic direction and commitment to continued development.
Purpose
To support meaningful development, experimentation, research or continuation of artistic practice.
Village women, a man and a goat painted in bright colours
Laxma Goud, Untitled

Grant 02

DRS Emerging Practice Grant

₹60,000

Age: 25–29 years
Who it is for
Artists building and defining an independent artistic practice.
What matters
Development of an individual visual language, quality of work, commitment and potential for continued growth.
Purpose
To help an emerging practice gain direction, depth and momentum.
Two faces in bold black, yellow and red
Thota Vaikuntum, Untitled

Grant 03

DRS Young Artist Grant

₹60,000

Age: 18–24 years
Who it is for
Young artists beginning to explore and develop their own artistic practice.
What matters
Commitment, quality of work, curiosity and future potential.
Purpose
To encourage young artists at an important formative stage of their artistic development.
Two figures with a sitar in intricate patterned colour
Ravindra Salve, The Saga of Togetherness

Award

Ravindra Salve Promising Artist Award

₹30,000

Age: Under 30 years
Who it is for
An artist whose work demonstrates exceptional promise.
What matters
Originality, commitment, quality of work and future potential.
Purpose
To recognise and encourage a promising artist whose practice deserves to be seen, supported and followed.
Format
A one-time award.

Which one is yours?

Your age on the application closing date (23 November 2026) places you in the relevant grant category. You do not need to apply for more than one.

Artists under 30 may also be considered for the Ravindra Salve Promising Artist Award where the jury feels the work merits such consideration.

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