Financial Assistance for Cultural Activities in Performing Arts for Building Grants Including Studio Theatres

Financial Assistance for Cultural Activities in Performing Arts for Building Grants Including Studio Theatres is a Government of India initiative supporting voluntary and government-aided cultural organizations. This scheme provides financial support to help construct or renovate performance spaces, rehearsal halls, and studio theatres to nurture artistic talent across the country. As of 2026, the scheme continues under the Ministry of Culture with updated eligibility requirements including mandatory registration on the NGO Darpan Portal.

The maximum assistance available is ₹50 lakhs for new construction projects in metro cities and ₹25 lakhs for other projects. Applications are received year-round through the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, which acts as the Central Nodal Agency for processing and disbursing grants.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Download the official application form from the Ministry of Culture website at culture.gov.in. The form is available in PDF format under the Building Grants scheme section.

STEP 2 - Fill in the application form completely with all required details about your organization, project proposal, cost estimates, and funding arrangements. Make sure all sections are filled as incomplete applications will not be processed.

STEP 3 - Attach all mandatory documents listed below along with the application form. Ensure every document is properly attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public where copies are submitted.

STEP 4 - Get your application recommended by a National Akademi, State Government department, UT Administration, or State Akademi before submission.

STEP 5 - Send your completed application and all documents by Speed Post or Registered Post to: The Director, West Zone Cultural Centre, Bagore Ki Haveli, Gangaur Ghat, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313001. Clearly write "Application under the Scheme of Building Grants, including Studio Theatres" on your envelope.

The scheme remains open throughout the year. A cut-off date for submission before each Expert Committee meeting will be notified on the WZCC website (wzccindia.com) and the Ministry website (culture.gov.in). For any queries, contact Shri Sanjay Kumar (Deputy Secretary) at 011-24642148 or sanjay.k65@nic.in.

Eligibility

You can apply if you belong to one of the eligible categories below:

• All not-for-profit organizations (registered societies, trusts, or non-profit companies) working primarily for the promotion of arts and culture in fields like dance, drama, theatre, music, fine arts, Indology, and literature for at least three years.
• Government-sponsored bodies dedicated to promoting the performing arts.
• University departments or centres specifically dedicated to the performing arts, provided their track record over the preceding three years is satisfactory.
• Colleges set up to promote the performing arts with a satisfactory record over the last three years.

An organization that has been receiving salary grant for the last three years under the Ministry's Scheme of "Financial Assistance to Professional Groups and Individuals Engaged for Specified Performing Arts Projects" will be deemed to have fulfilled all eligibility conditions.

New requirement for 2026: All applicant organizations must be registered on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog. Additionally, organizations must have filed Income Tax returns during the last three years. These requirements were introduced as part of the updated guidelines effective from Financial Year 2024-25.

Highlights

Benefits

The financial assistance provided under this scheme is outlined in the table below:

Grants are non-recurring. Regular maintenance costs after project completion must be borne by the organization itself. The government covers up to 60% of the approved estimated project cost, subject to the ceilings above. For projects in North Eastern Region states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura), the government covers up to 90%.

The cost of land (actual consideration paid, not market value) and development charges count toward your matching share. Expenditure already incurred on construction, purchase, or development of land and building within one year before your application date can also count as matching share, provided it is certified by a Chartered Accountant.

If project costs increase later, the government liability stays limited to the original sanctioned amount, and you must cover all extra expenses yourself. Once a project proposal is approved, requests for additional funding are usually not entertained.

Eligible Projects

Funding is available for creating the following types of cultural spaces:

• Performance venues such as auditoria, open-air theatres, and concert halls.
• Rehearsal halls for theatre, music, or dance training.
• Training centres or schools for theatre, music, and dance.
• Studio theatres or experimental theatres with flexible seating (capacity of 100 to 200), essential light and sound equipment, green rooms, and basic amenities.

Projects may involve new construction, purchase of built-up space, renovation, upgradation, modernization, extension, alteration of existing buildings, interior remodeling, or provision of facilities like electricals, air conditioning, acoustics, light and sound systems, musical instruments, costumes, audio/video equipment, furniture, and stage material.

Exclusions

The following are not eligible for this scheme:

• Religious institutions, public libraries, museums, schools, colleges, or university departments not specifically dedicated to performing arts and allied cultural activities.
• Departments or offices of the Central Government, State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, or Local Bodies.
• Organizations that have previously availed a building grant under this scheme and have not yet completed the sanctioned project (except when applying for a Studio Theatre grant with no default on the ongoing project).

Sanction and Release of Grant

When the Ministry approves your project, the decision is communicated through publication of Minutes on the Ministry website, showing the approved total cost, sanctioned grant amount, and your matching share. The grant is released to WZCC, Udaipur, which disburses installments to your organization.

Funds are released in two equal installments of 50% each:

First Installment: You receive 50% of the sanctioned assistance once the project proposal is approved by the Ministry, without further correspondence.

Second and Final Installment: You receive the remaining 50% after submitting these documents:

• Physical and financial progress report from a Registered Architect (for building grants) or Chartered Accountant (for equipment grants), with site photographs.
• Certificate from a Registered Architect or Chartered Accountant confirming project progress, compliance with local laws, satisfactory work quality, and current valuation.
• Audited statement of accounts signed by a Chartered Accountant.
• Utilization Certificate from a Chartered Accountant confirming the first installment was fully used for the project.
• Certificate from a Chartered Accountant proving at least 50% of your matching share has been spent.
• Physical inspection of the project by Ministry representatives or experts before the final release.

Conditions of Grant

Grant recipients must follow these conditions:

• Maintain separate accounts specifically for government funds received under this scheme.
• Allow Ministry representatives to inspect your site and accounts at any time for verification.
• Complete the project within three years from the date the first installment is released, or the claim becomes time barred.
• Keep accounts open for audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India at any time.
• Submit completion certificates, ownership deeds, and final expenditure reports within six months of project completion.
• Maintain a register of permanent assets acquired using government grants in Form GFR 24.
• Execute a legal bond with two sureties promising to follow all guidelines; failure to comply means refunding the entire grant with interest at the prevailing Government of India borrowing rate.
• The President of India holds the first lien on all assets; you cannot lease or mortgage them without prior government approval (temporary lease of studio theatre for events is allowed).
• Display the Ministry of Culture's name at the completed cultural space as acknowledgement of government support.
• Take full responsibility for complying with local building and construction laws.
• Organize at least two cultural activities (function, lecture, seminar, workshop, exhibition) in nearby schools or educational institutions. A certificate from the Principal or Head of the Institution is mandatory for release of the second installment.

Documents Required

Submit the following documents with your application:

• Detailed project report including organizational profile, achievements over the last three years, project rationale, cost estimates summary, sources of finance, completion timeline, and post-completion maintenance plan.
• Copy of Certificate of Registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or relevant Acts.
• Memorandum of Association or Trust Deed with Rules and Regulations.
• List of present Board of Management members, Office Bearers, or Trustees with names and addresses.
• Audited annual accounts for the last three financial years, certified by a Chartered Accountant or Government Auditor.
• Title deed for land or building showing ownership in the organization's name and confirmation that the property can be used for institutional purposes.
• Building or development plans approved by the appropriate civic authority (Municipality, Panchayat, Development Authority, etc.).
• Cost estimates approved by a registered architect who certifies conformity with structural requirements and market rates.
• Documentary evidence of your ability to provide the matching share (bank statements, loan sanction letters, CA-certified expenditure certificates).
• Board resolution authorizing a person to sign the application and bond on behalf of the organization.
• Bond in prescribed format on stamp paper of prescribed denomination.
• Bank authorization letter with ECS details of the organization's bank account.

Wherever documents are in a regional language, an English or Hindi version must also be provided. All document copies should be attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary Public.

References

• Official Scheme Page - Ministry of Culture
• Scheme Guidelines and Documents - Ministry of Culture
• Scheme Guidelines PDF
• Application Form PDF
• WZCC Udaipur - Scheme Implementation Details
• PIB Press Release on Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture Scheme

FAQ's

What is the objective of this scheme?

The scheme supports voluntary cultural organizations and government-aided groups in creating well-equipped training, rehearsal, and performance spaces for artists engaged in performing arts.

Which ministry runs this scheme?

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India implements this scheme through the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur as the nodal agency.

Is this a central sector scheme?

Yes, this is a central funding scheme under the broader 'Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture' programme of the Ministry of Culture.

How much financial assistance is available?

Up to ₹50 lakhs for new construction or purchase of built-up space in metro cities (Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai). Up to ₹25 lakhs for all other projects in metro cities and for all projects in non-metro cities.

What percentage of project cost does the government cover?

The government covers up to 60% of the approved project cost in most cases. For projects in North Eastern Region states, the government covers up to 90%.

Who can apply for this scheme?

Registered societies, trusts, or non-profit companies working in the cultural field for at least three years, government-sponsored bodies, university departments, and colleges dedicated to performing arts can apply.

Is NGO Darpan registration required?

Yes, as per updated guidelines effective from 2024-25, all applicant organizations must be registered on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog.

Are grants recurring?

No, these are non-recurring grants. All regular operational and maintenance costs after project completion must be managed by the organization.

How is the grant money released?

The grant is released in two equal installments of 50% each through WZCC, Udaipur. The first installment comes on approval, and the second after submission of progress reports, utilization certificates, and physical inspection.

Within what timeframe must the project be completed?

The project must be completed within three years from the date of release of the first installment. Failure to do so means no further grant will be released.

How do I submit my application?

Download the form from the Ministry website, fill it with all required documents, get it recommended by a National Akademi or State department, and send it by Speed Post or Registered Post to WZCC, Udaipur.