Rubin x Research

We support scholarship and research into Himalayan art in academic, educational, and exhibition contexts. Priority is given to projects that will result in publication(s), media projects, exhibitions, or are part of larger projects with a high degree of visibility. Rubin x Research grants offer support of $2,500 to $25,000. 

We do not fund conferences, the cost of producing publications, infrastructural projects, for-profit projects, or exclusively contemporary art projects in this grant category.

Not-for-profit organizations or their individual affiliates, such as scholars, academics, or curators. Applicants from all nationalities are welcome to apply. Co-funding is encouraged.

Grants through this program are offered once yearly. Grant proposals are reviewed by a committee of Rubin staff and additional experts as needed and appropriate.

2026 Schedule:

• February 16: Letter of inquiry opens
• March 6 (by 5:00 PM ET): Letter of inquiry due
• April 15: Invitations to apply sent to select applicants
• May 29 (by 5:00 PM ET): Grant applications due
• September 15: Grantees notified by the Rubin 
• Late October: Grants begin

Letter of Inquiry

The first step to apply for a Rubin x Research grant is to submit an online letter of inquiry by March 6 summarizing the project you’re seeking support for. Based on the letters of inquiry, the Rubin will determine whether it will consider a full proposal. The letter of inquiry form will open on February 16.

Application

Grant applications are accepted by invitation only and are due by May 29.

The grant application should expand on the brief information given in the letter of inquiry. The maximum summary length is 2,000 words maximum and must contain: 

• Expanded information about the individual and/or affiliated organization applying (include type of organization, such as 501(c)(3), government, private, individual, foreign charity, etc.), including mission of the organization and/or relevant past research conducted by the individual  
• Detailed description of the scope, goals, methodology, and duration of the project  
• Relevance and impact the project has on the field, with a particular focus on how the project broadens research and documentation of Himalayan art  
• Detailed budget including estimated line items and how expenses will be accounted for

For any questions in relation to Rubin grants, please email [email protected].