The Sher-Gil Sundaram Arts Foundation (SSAF) and Asia Art Archive (AAA) in India have launched a new research grant aimed at preserving and exploring the rich tapestry of India’s art, ideas, and visual culture. This initiative specifically targets fragile and often overlooked archival materials, encouraging a deeper understanding of the nation’s cultural history.
Unearthing Hidden Histories
The SSAF–AAA Research Grant focuses on documenting and analyzing materials that are frequently out of circulation or not held in public collections. This includes a wide array of print materials such as books, pamphlets, posters, journals, and ephemera, with a particular emphasis on those in regional languages. The grant seeks to bring these materials into scholarly and public discourse, fostering new interpretations of historical and cultural moments.
Key Takeaways
- Supports the archiving of art, ideas, and visual culture in India.
- Focuses on fragile, inaccessible, and regional language materials.
- Encourages interdisciplinary research into cultural and political influences.
- Offers funding up to INR 3,00,000 for projects.
- Requires grantees to share research publicly.
Project Scope and Objectives
Researchers are invited to propose projects that investigate how these often-neglected materials influenced or were integral to significant cultural and political events. This could involve examining social and political movements, the roles of influential figures like artists or editors, and the cross-lingual translation of ideas. The grant champions creative methodologies for interpreting these materials and developing public archives that can reshape historical narratives.
Grant Details and Eligibility
The grant provides financial support of up to INR 3,00,000 for projects to be conducted between November 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026. A crucial aspect of the grant is the expectation that awardees will share their findings through public platforms, essays, or institutional partnerships. Sensitivity to content rights and the delivery of practical outcomes are paramount. Upon completion, selected materials may be transferred to SSAF and AAA.
Eligibility is open to Indian nationals or collectives currently residing in India. Proposals will be assessed based on their originality, feasibility, and their potential to highlight lesser-known materials and languages for academic and public engagement. Applicants must submit a comprehensive package including a completed application form, curriculum vitae, a portfolio or relevant publications, and a detailed project proposal outlining images, a timeline, and a budget. Submissions are accepted in English or any Indian language.
