African Arts Trust Grant

African Arts Trust Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The African Arts Trust
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: November 10, 2025

Summary

The African Arts Trust is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting visual artists in Eastern and Southern Africa. Established by philanthropist Robert Devereux, the Trust focuses on grassroots organizations that empower professional artists. Funding is prioritized for core arts organizations, studio spaces, workshops, and project funding. They aim to enhance the local art scene and promote sustainable art practices. Grant sizes range from small (below $5,000) to large ($10,000-$20,000), with a commitment to nurturing artistic talent and community development.

Overview

The African Arts Trust is a charitable trust set up to support visual artists by the collector and philanthropist, Robert Devereux, following the successful fundraising auction of his private collection of post-war British art at Sothebys, London in 2010. The trust is based on years of frequent travel to Africa and the recognition that there is a wealth of talented visual artists whose opportunities are stifled by the lack of resources available locally in the visual arts sector. "The African Arts Trust will act as a catalyst for the emergence and growth of locally managed and sustainable contemporary visual art organisations in Africa" What we fund The African Arts Trust only support the visual arts, with an emphasis on grass roots organisations that support professional practicing artists trying to make a livelihood in the visual arts. Grant making is concentrated geographically on Eastern and Southern Africa. The African Arts Trust has divided what it will fund into areas of high and medium priority: HighCore funding for arts organisationsStudio spacesMediumWorkshops and residenciesProject fundingExhibitionsCompetitions/awards The African Arts Trust may fund in rare circumstances (exceptional merit): Books/PublicationsVideo/RadioFestivals/Biennales Core funding – is for organisations looking for general support for their arts organisation for a period of time Project funding – is for a one off or annual art project that has a finite end. Grant size and duration TAAT generally funds small to medium sized organisations and projects and can give one off, annual and multi year grants for up to 3 years (5 years in exceptional circumstances). Small grants: below $5,000Medium grants: between $5,000 - $10,000Large grants: between $10,000 - $20,000 If you are applying on behalf of an artist for a residency, workshop or exhibition - the Trust requests that the artist donates an artwork to the African Arts Trust art collection. This collection will be used to promote African art and the artists represented in it and will at some point be donated to a public museum or sold and the proceeds used to make further grants.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The African Arts Trust only support the visual arts, with an emphasis on grass roots organisations that support professional practicing artists trying to make a livelihood in the visual arts.Grant making is concentrated geographically on Eastern and Southern Africa.

Ineligibility

Please do not apply if your project is not visual arts e.g. if you work in theatre, dance, music, literature. These art forms are not eligible for funding by the Trust.At the moment The African Arts Trust will not fund:IndividualsAcademic researchUnsolicited general appeals