If you’re a visual artist still in the early stages of your career, here’s a golden opportunity to take your creative work to the next level.

The Liu Shiming Artist Grants 2025 are back, and they’re designed specifically to support talented artists during the crucial first decade of their practice.

These grants aren’t just about funding—they’re about encouraging projects that reflect a dialogue between traditional culture or history and modern artistic expression.

Whether you’re refining an ongoing piece or starting something entirely new, this grant could help bring your vision to life.

Who Can Apply

The program is open to visual artists who have been actively working for at least two years, but no more than ten.

This is ideal for artists who are past the beginner stage but still building their name.

There’s no restriction on nationality—you can apply from anywhere in the world. However, all application materials and submissions must be in English.

To be eligible, you must meet one of two criteria:

You earned a studio arts degree between 2015 and 2023,
Or you had your first gallery or juried exhibition debut during that same period.

What the Grant Offers

Each year, up to five artists will be awarded a $5,000 grant.

The funds are released in two parts:

$3,000 will be paid by January 15, 2026, to help get your project off the ground,
The final $2,000 will be delivered upon completion of the proposed work.

This structure is designed to support not just the start of a project but its full realization.

Who Chooses the Winners

The final recipients will be selected by a panel of art world professionals, including:

The Foundation’s Curatorial Director,
A recognized contemporary artist,
And experts from across the visual arts sector.

This diverse panel ensures that a wide range of styles, backgrounds, and artistic visions are fairly evaluated.

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, you can start your application process right now.

Make sure your proposal clearly reflects your artistic goals and how your work connects traditional cultural or historical themes with modern creative practices.

A Chance to Elevate Your Practice

The Liu Shiming Artist Grants aren’t just about money—they’re about momentum.

For many emerging artists, this kind of support can mean the difference between a great idea staying in a sketchbook and becoming something real, powerful, and seen.

Don’t miss your chance to bring your next big project to life.