Scheme of Grant-In-Aid for Conduct of Art Exhibitions: Group Shows

Scheme of Grant-In-Aid for Conduct of Art Exhibitions: Group Shows helps talented painters and sculptors in Tamil Nadu by giving a financial grant of ₹50,000 to groups of five artists so they can host their own exhibitions.

Art and Culture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu runs this scheme through Tamil Nadu Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu. It supports artists working in painting and sculpture by covering the cost of conducting group shows. Application form can be collected from Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu to start the process.

Scheme of Grant-In-Aid for Conduct of Art Exhibitions: Group Shows

This scheme is a state-level support system of the Art and Culture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. It encourages talented artists working in painting and sculpture by providing a financial grant of ₹50,000 to groups of five artists to conduct their own art exhibitions.

Tamil Nadu Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu was set up in 1975 to promote, protect and spread the fine arts of painting, sculpture and printmaking. It was merged with the Department of Art and Culture in 2008. Under this scheme, a sum of ₹50,000 is given per group for conducting group shows to 5 groups every year. A total of ₹5 lakh is sanctioned each year for this purpose.

By launching this support system, the government helps local talent reach a wider audience. The scheme is still open for eligible groups of artists from Tamil Nadu in the financial year 2026-27.

Key Information

Benefits

Under this scheme, selected groups receive a total of ₹50,000 to cover expenses for conducting their art exhibitions. This money helps groups pay for venue, framing, publicity and other costs linked to hosting a professional group show.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this grant, the group must meet the following criteria:

• Application should consist of a group of five artists.
• Each artist must be a native of Tamil Nadu with proof of continuous residence for at least 5 years.
• All artists in the group should have an ongoing commitment to their craft in painting or sculpture.
• The group must possess a sufficient collection of high-quality artworks to host a full exhibition.
• Previous participation in National or State-level Art Exhibitions or Artists Camps serves as an added qualification for selection.

Application Process

Application for this scheme is done offline. Follow these steps to complete the process:

STEP 1 - Visit the Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu (Tamil Nadu Fine Arts Academy) during official working hours to collect the prescribed application form.

STEP 2 - Fill out all mandatory fields in the form and attach the required documents, making sure to self-attest copies where needed.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed application in person or by post to the Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu, Directorate of Art and Culture, Dr. D.G.S. Dinakaran Road, (Greenways Road) Chennai - 600 028.

STEP 4 - Ask for a formal receipt or acknowledgement. This gives proof of the date, time and, if applicable, the unique identification number for tracking purposes.

Documents

Prepare the following documents to attach with the application:

• Bio-data for each artist in the group.
• Recent passport-sized photographs of each participating artist.
• Clear photographs showing the artworks the group intends to display.
• Copies of relevant press clippings or media coverage highlighting the artistic talent of the group members.

References

Guidelines | Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu Schemes

FAQ's

What is the primary focus of Scheme of Grant-In-Aid for Conduct of Art Exhibitions: Group Shows?

The primary focus is to support and promote talented artists in the fields of painting and sculpture by providing financial help for hosting professional group exhibitions.

Who manages the financial support for this scheme?

Art and Culture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, oversees and grants the financial support through Tamil Nadu Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu.

Does prior participation in art events help the application?

Yes, participation in National or State-level Art Exhibitions and Artists Camps is treated as an added qualification that strengthens the application.

How does a group submit the application?

The application is done offline by collecting the approved format from Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu and submitting it to the designated office.

Can artists from outside Tamil Nadu apply?

No, this scheme is reserved for artists who have been continuous residents of Tamil Nadu for at least 5 years.

What is the residency requirement for eligibility?

Artists must prove they have been residents of Tamil Nadu for a continuous period of at least 5 years.

Where should the application materials be sent?

Applications should be addressed to the Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Oviya Nunkalai Kuzhu, Directorate of Art and Culture, Dr. D.G.S. Dinakaran Road, (Greenways Road) Chennai - 600 028.

What specific documents must be provided?

Bio-data of all artists, passport-sized photographs, photographs of the artworks, and any press clippings that show the artistic achievements must be provided.

How much funding does a group receive?

The scheme provides a grant of ₹50,000 to approved groups of five artists.

Is there a preference for more experienced artists?

There is no rigid preference based on reputation, but proof of past participation in exhibitions and camps helps strengthen the application.

Are there restrictions on the artistic style of the work?

No, there are no limits on the medium or style, as the scheme aims to encourage diverse artistic expression.

Can an individual artist apply?

No, this scheme is designed for groups of artists, so individual applications are not accepted.

Are there strict requirements on the quantity of artwork for the show?

The group must simply possess a sufficient number of artworks to create a professional exhibition for the group show.