Art groups open Central Asia grant

Asia Art Archive (AAA) and Para Site have opened applications for the “Unconditional Trust: Impact Grant for Central Asia,” a funding initiative aimed at supporting artist-led collectives and independent arts organizations in the region.

The grant, supported by Virginia Yee, is open to applicants based in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan working in the fields of visual arts and film. Applications are open until 12 April 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Hong Kong time).

The initiative follows the first edition of the Unconditional Trust program in Indonesia, which supported eight artists and collectives. The new cycle seeks to expand community-building efforts and strengthen local art ecosystems in Central Asia.

According to the organizers, the grant is designed to support sustainable programming, professional development, infrastructure development, and knowledge sharing, rather than direct funding for artwork or exhibition production.

A total of $60,000 (approximately P3.3 million) in funding will be distributed among selected recipients, with each project eligible to receive up to $10,000 (approximately P550,000). Projects are expected to begin in 2026 and may run for up to two years.

Recipients will also be paired with mentors based on their development needs, as part of efforts to foster long-term engagement between Central Asian practitioners and peers in Hong Kong and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Applications must be submitted via email, after which shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by a jury panel and interviewed in May 2026. Final results are expected to be announced in June.