PERFORMING ARTS GRANT 2026 - 27: THEATRE
About
The Performing Arts Grant supports performing arts practitioners in India who are ready to think boldly, take creative risks, and imagine ambitious new possibilities. It is for artists with ideas that feel expansive, unconventional, and experimental, and offers the support needed to help bring those ideas to life.
Each year, the grant focuses on one discipline, alternating between theatre and dance, ensuring dedicated support for both fields over time.
This year, the grant invites theatre practitioners to explore new approaches to writing, storytelling, and theatrical presentation. It encourages artists to experiment with form, challenge conventions, and push the boundaries of contemporary theatre practice through research, collaboration, and creative exploration.
Through financial and strategic support, the grant enables solo and duo practitioners to develop daring new concepts, test evolving processes, and create innovative performative works.
The outcome of the grant may take the form of a performance, a sharing, or documented findings(video), contributing to the evolving landscape of the performing arts while opening up new ways of thinking about theatre and performance today.
Grant Details:
Intake
1 Artist
Duration
12 months
Grant Amount
Up to 2,00,000/-
Eligibility Criteria
- Open only to Indian citizens residing in the country for at least over the past 2 years.
- The grantee is required to create a new theatre performance. Outcomes limited to research or documentation are not eligible.
- Open only to solo or duo theatre artists.
- The grantee must demonstrate a commitment to completing the proposed project within the designated timeframe. Failure to meet the grant’s objectives may result in disqualification.
- Proposals must be submitted in English or Hindi.
- The grant will not support large-scale productions or commercial ventures that involve extensive production budgets or multiple collaborators.
Format
- The grantee will be selected through an open call, and the final decision will be made by an external jury.
- The awarded grant must be utilised within twelve months of the agreement being signed with Serendipity Arts.
- The grant amount is to be used responsibly and effectively by the selected artist/s. It may be allocated towards travel, accommodation, research materials, daily expenses, mentorship, and other costs incurred in the course of the proposed period.
- The grant amount will be disbursed in three installments; to receive each installment, the grantee/s must submit both progress report outlining the development of the project and a budget utilisation report detailing how the previous installment was spent.
Documents required for application
- Updated CV
- High-resolution photograph/s of the applicants.
- Social media handles (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
- Project proposal outlining the proposed performance outcome (maximum 2 pages).
- Tentative budget utilisation detailing the estimated allocation of the grant.
- Statement of purpose (audio, video, or written document in English or Hindi) explaining how the applicant plans to use the grant, their objectives for the next 12 months, and how the grant will contribute to their existing practice or project.
- Performance/Practice video showcasing previous work or a demonstration of current artistic practice.
- Portfolio (if available) of past projects or relevant work.
Terms and Conditions
- The grant amount is fixed, and no additional funds will be provided beyond the awarded amount.
- The presentation format of the final work will be mutually decided in consultation with the Serendipity Arts team.
- Applications from immediate family members of Serendipity Arts employees will not be considered.
- The applicant must submit a realistic project timeline and a detailed budget, clearly outlining how the grant funds will be allocated toward the development of the proposed project.
FAQS
Q1. Who can apply for the Performing Arts Grant?
A1. The grant is open to theatre practitioners in India, including solo artists and duo practitioners, who are interested in developing a new idea, process, or body of work.
Q2. What kind of work does the grant support?
A2. The grant supports projects rooted in theatre, including new writing, storytelling, performance-making, dramaturgical exploration, and experimentation with form, process, or presentation.
Q3. Can I apply with a collaborative project?
A3. Yes, but this year the grant is intended to support solo or duo artistic development. Applications from individual practitioners and pairs only will be considered.
Q4. Do I need to have a registered theatre company to apply?
A4. No. Individual practitioners may apply.
Q5. I don’t have a portfolio. What else can I send as part of my application?
A5. You may include anything that helps show your practice and artistic approach, such as scripts, essays, photographs, videos, reviews, recordings, or a digital portfolio. An Instagram handle or website may also be shared.
Q6. Is the grant only for new work?
A6. Yes, the grant is designed to support new exploration, experimentation, and development of ideas rather than completed or existing productions.
Q7. Can I apply if my work is interdisciplinary?
A7. Yes, as long as the project is primarily grounded in theatre and performance, and the proposal clearly reflects that focus.
Q8. Do I need prior professional experience to apply?
A8. We welcome practitioners at different stages of their journey, provided they have a clear artistic practice and a strong idea they wish to develop.
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