#RMZFPLATFORM – Opportunity For Emerging Indian Artists (Under 30) To Create Sculptural Public Artworks

Introduction

There is a great need for introducing and encouraging sculptural works in the public realm. Across India, artists are now receiving international recognition like never before by leading institutions, galleries, collectors, and the market alike. Over the past 7 years, we have helmed this immense growth for our art and artists, constantly pushing boundaries and creating opportunities through partnerships with other Indian and global leaders in art and culture. We are thrilled to invite applications for the inaugural edition of RMZ Foundation Platform.

What Is #RMZFPLATFORM?

This annual grant will support and nurture one extraordinary artist from India each year through a commissioned art project, to be unveiled at each subsequent edition of Art Mumbai. It will contribute towards the development of the winning artist’s practice through the realization of an ambitious, large-scale outdoor art installation. This cultivates a thriving legacy of patronage in the region and offers unprecedented visibility to India’s dynamic creative energy and diverse contemporary practices. In its pursuit of greater equality, access to opportunity, and the fostering of an entrepreneurial spirit, the RMZ Foundation empowers young entrepreneurs, and now artists, in India and beyond through fellowships, direct investments, and partnerships, driving impactful change.

The First Edition Of #RMZFPLATFORM

For the first edition of the grant, the RMZ Foundation invites applications from artists under the age of 30, who live in India. The overarching curatorial direction for the inaugural edition of the grant will draw from themes including sustainability, community, and ecology. The application criteria and themes affirm both organizations deep commitment to nurturing domestic talent, and their interest in contextualizing art within wider communities and lived environments.

Who Can Apply?

Candidates meeting the following requirements will be eligible to apply for the first edition of the grant. You are:

- Artist of Indian citizenship, who is currently residing in India.
- Must be under 30 years.
- A practicing artist and have been exhibiting professionally for at least two years.

What Are The Themes Of The Prize?

Celebrate built heritage that thrives and persists in urban /metropolitan areas, promoting harmony between man-made and natural landscapes. Artist may highlight the importance of preserving heritage structures and how they can co-exist or adapt to their surroundings.

What Will The Winner Receive?

The grant winner will receive up to INR 4,50,000, including production and travel expenses, as well as direct prize money. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their commissioned art project at Art Mumbai 2024.

Key Dates And Timeline

29 April 2024: Applications open
28 May 2024: Applications close
25 June 2024: Winner is announced
2 July 2024:31 October January 2025: Project development period

How To Apply

Participating artists are required to submit their applications via this form and must submit the following materials as a high-quality PowerPoint/ Keynote /PDF in landscape orientation as part of their application.

Application Requirements

Please read the application guidelines carefully and submit the following materials:

Attach a high-quality PowerPoint / Keynote / PDF in landscape orientation as part of your application.
Scanned copy of Aadhaar card.
Artist CV: Please include your achievements, including your academic background, past participation in exhibitions and fairs, prizes, and awards (maximum 1or 2 pages).
Artist Biography: Please include details about your practice and your inspiration (max. 300 words).
A Written Proposal: The proposal should outline the project’s vision and how your concept connects with the prize or grant theme.
- Materials you propose to use as well as mechanisms for recycling or reusing these materials, if at all.
- Your considerations for engagement and interaction with audiences.
- Provide a clear description of any technology that will be used, including any specific software, hardware, or any equipment. (Max 3 pages).
- Anticipated research plan, proposed bibliography, research methodology, and travel schedule (i.e., as thorough a work plan as possible).
High quality images or renders. (share up to 3 images of your best existing works or share a proposal for a new work)
A Visual Proposal: Please provide strong visual references showcasing the proposed artwork /installation, including sketches, mood boards, and video and audio files. It is preferable that the visual concept be presented in a digital format or render.
A project timeline that provides an overview of the entire project from start to finish.
It should be a public art for outdoor settings, in any media or format.

*Please note: Apply for the RMZ Foundation Platform Grant by submitting the application form. The winning artist will have the opportunity to refine their concept post-selection.
*The RMZF Platform joins the Mumbai Art Fair in its mission to highlight and promote Indian art globally through the Grant.

Selection Process

Up to 10 applicants will be shortlisted by the internal jury based on their portfolio.
One applicant will be selected by external and internal jury from among those shortlisted.

Application Deadline: 18 May 2024 (Incomplete applications will not be considered for the grant, so please submit complete information).