In 2024, the Rubin Museum introduced a groundbreaking annual grant program aimed at supporting artists, scholars, and creatives dedicated to enhancing the global appreciation and understanding of Himalayan art. This initiative also seeks to celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage and ongoing traditions of the Himalayan region.
Over the last two years, the museum has funded 32 diverse projects worldwide, with grant amounts ranging from $3,000 to $25,000, tailored to the specific scale and impact of each proposal.
The Rubin x Research grants focus on empowering scholars to expand the field of Himalayan art research, fostering greater knowledge and documentation of this rich artistic domain.
Additionally, the Rubin x Art Projects grants are designed to assist artists whose work highlights the profound cultural legacy and living traditions of the Himalayas, showcasing their relevance in contemporary society.
Examples of funded projects include a conservation training initiative in Mongolia, documentation of historical art in Bhutan and Nepal, and research on the provenance of artifacts from a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Darjeeling, India. Other notable projects encompass educational resources for Tibetan visual art and an innovative video installation exploring Tibetan Buddhist concepts.
For those interested in applying for the 2026 grant cycle, letters of inquiry must be submitted between February 16 and March 6, 2026.