SAHA Association Grants for Artists and Curators from Turkey
OpenRolling deadlineSAHA Association funds new productions and publications by artists, curators and writers from Turkey invited by non-profit institutions abroad. Institutions apply year-round, at least six months before the project.
SAHA Association supports artists, curators and writers working in the visual arts from Turkey, by funding their projects with international institutions. Since 2011, SAHA has supported more than 650 artists, curators, writers and art initiatives for projects in museums, biennials and non-profit organisations in 52 countries. Its grant scheme funds the production of new works and publications. Applications are accepted year-round, as long as they arrive at least six months before the project opens.
The scheme works through institutions: a non-profit art institution abroad invites an artist or curator from Turkey and applies to SAHA for the production costs.
How the Grant Works
International non-profit art institutions apply for funding for new productions and projects by artists and curators they have invited from Turkey. SAHA does not review applications made by individual artists, curators or researchers. The agreement, invoice and payment are handled between SAHA and the institution, which protects the rights, freedom and artistic integrity of the artist or curator.
What SAHA Funds
The scheme prioritises production costs and publications. It does not cover shipping, installation, transport, accommodation, subsistence or maintenance. As a condition of support, the host institution must pay the invited artist or curator an honorarium of at least €500; applications without it are not accepted.
What SAHA Does Not Fund
- Projects by commercial enterprises such as fairs, galleries and companies
- Projects outside contemporary art
- Independent structures without non-profit status or an institutional link
- Biennials or organisations that charge artists participation or venue fees
- Educational programmes, courses and seminars
- Independent applications for residencies or research programmes; SAHA supports these only through its partner institutions
Who Can Benefit from SAHA Association Support?
Artists, curators, researchers and writers from Turkey invited by a non-profit institution abroad. Priority goes to artists who have not been supported before, although more than one application for the same artist may be accepted in a year.
How Applications Are Judged
SAHA looks at whether the individual has been supported before, the effect the project could have on their career, the scope of the project and works, and the diversity of institutions supported. It responds within six weeks of receiving a complete application.
What to Submit
The institution submits the application form with:
- A project synopsis and a synopsis of the work, each up to 300 words
- The institution's mission and goals, up to 300 words
- A detailed, final budget with confirmed content
- A short biography and portfolio of the artist, curator or researcher
- Six to eight project images, links to audio-visual material and other documents
Only projects with confirmed budgets, dates and participants are evaluated.
SAHA Studio
SAHA also runs SAHA Studio in Istanbul, a six-month research and production programme for artists, with its own open calls twice a year.
Why It Matters
For artists and curators from Turkey, the cost of producing new work for an international exhibition can be a real barrier. SAHA's support lets institutions abroad invite them without leaving the artist to cover production alone, and the honorarium rule ensures that artists are paid. Over the years, SAHA-supported projects have appeared at major museums, biennials and non-profit spaces in Europe, the Americas and Asia, helping artists from Turkey build international careers.
For Artists and Curators
If you are an artist or curator from Turkey invited by an institution abroad, share SAHA's guidelines with your host early, so the application can be made in time.
Things to Consider
- Institutions apply, not individuals.
- €500 minimum fee for the artist.
- Six months' notice at least.
- Year-round applications.
Apply for Support
Inviting an artist or curator from Turkey?
Apply to SAHA Association
Requirements, documents and the application form are on the SAHA website.
Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.
Last verified: November 4, 2026
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