How to Apply
Start with the idea. The rest can follow.
For us, the idea and clarity of thought matter more than language, grammar or presentation. If all three come together beautifully, wonderful. If they do not, there is no pressure.
In your own words
Simply express yourself in the way that feels most natural to you.
You may write in English, Hindi, Gujarati or any Indian language you are comfortable with. Your responses may be typed or handwritten and, wherever appropriate, you may also share your thoughts through audio, voice note or video.
We are not looking for the best-written application. We are trying to understand you, your work, what you are thinking about and what you hope to do next.
- Written
- Handwritten
- Audio / voice note
- Video
Questions while applying? Write to us at [email protected] and we shall get back to you soon.
Eligibility
Formal art education, gallery representation, awards, market recognition or an existing relationship with DRS Arts Company® are not requirements.
- Indian citizens currently based in India.
- Practising in the visual arts, in any medium.
- Formally trained, independently trained or self-taught.
- Aged 18 or above on the application closing date.
- No application fee.
| Category | Amount | Age |
|---|---|---|
| DRS Artist Grant | ₹2,40,000 | 30 years and above |
| DRS Emerging Practice Grant | ₹60,000 | 25–29 years |
| DRS Young Artist Grant | ₹60,000 | 18–24 years |
| Ravindra Salve Promising Artist Award | ₹30,000 | Under 30 years |
Your age on the application closing date determines your category. Artists currently living outside India cannot apply in this cycle.
Application requirements
The application form has eight short sections. Here is what each one asks for, so you can prepare before you begin.
About you
- Full name Required
- Date of birth Required
- Age Required
- City Required
- State / Union Territory Required
- Email address Required
- Mobile number Required
- Grant or award you are applying for Required
Your practice
Tell us about your work and what you are exploring.
Your work
Please share 8–10 recent artworks. For each artwork, provide: Title | Year | Medium | Size.
- JPG / JPEG preferred
- Maximum 1 MB per image
- Approximately 2000–2500 pixels on the longest side
For video, installation, digital, performance or time-based practices, please share an appropriate viewing link.
What's next?
What are you trying to create, develop, research or overcome, and why does it matter now? What matters is that we can clearly understand what you hope to do next and why it matters to you now.
How would the grant help?
Tell us specifically what the grant would enable you to do and how you intend to use the support. Please include:
- What the grant will be used for
- Approximate budget
- Proposed timeline, not exceeding 12 months
This section should be submitted in writing, so that the proposed use of the Grant can be clearly understood and considered.
Your background
Artist Bio / CV. Share the information you consider most relevant to your artistic practice, including education, exhibitions, projects, awards, residencies, publications or other experience, where applicable.
Artist Statement. If you have an Artist Statement, you may share it with us.
Optional links
Any links that help us understand your practice further.
- Website
- Portfolio
- Videos
- Publications
- Other relevant links
Anything else?
Is there anything about you, your practice or this application that you would like us to know? Sometimes the important thing does not fit neatly into a form. This space is for that.
Before you submit
You will be asked to confirm a short Declaration & Consent and agree to the DRS Arts Grant Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Please review your application carefully: changes after submission may not be possible.
DRS Arts Grant 2027 application timeline
The complete application-to-announcement cycle is planned within approximately 45 days.
- Applications
- 3–23 Nov 2026
- Final result
- 17 Dec 2026
- Disbursement begins
- 1 Jan 2027
- Applications open
- Application period
- Application check
- Jury review
- Shortlisted artists informed
- Conversations / meetings / studio visits, where required
- Final jury review & selection
- Selected artists contacted & verification
- Final grant & award announcement
- Grant disbursement begins
Good work deserves a careful look. We will try not to keep you wondering for too long.