In order to raise awareness of an artist’s work within the sector and among the public, and to foster knowledge of different artistic practices, Kultur | lx supports the production of an artistic portfolio. The format chosen by the artist must be suited to the way in which they work and may take the form of a paper publication or digital format. Kultur | lx intends to promote the distribution of these publications within the sector and to the public, whether as part of scouting programmes or on the Kultur | lx website. The publications for this grant should not be linked to a planned exhibition or event however must be conceived as an introduction to the artist’s career and artistic approach. They must also include the cooperation of and contributions from other professionals (commissioning of texts, images, videos, etc. documenting the artist). Priority will be given to artists who do not yet have such a tool for presenting their work.

Eligibility

This grant is intended for:

  • Self-employed artists and creatives;

With Luxembourg citizenship or residency in Luxembourg.

Exclusion and restrictions

This grant is not intended to cover exhibition catalogues.

Targeted sectors

All sectors supported by Kultur | lx.

Decision process

Applications are assessed by the Literature and Publishing Selection committee.

Applications for funding shall be submitted electronically via the Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg platform no later than two months before the start of the project and by the deadline for project proposals.

The submission deadlines for projects in 2023 are as follows:

  • Avril 23, 2023
  • October 29, 2023
Criteria
  • Relevance and uniqueness of the project;
  • Importance of the publication for the artist’s career development;
  • Artistic collaborations (photographer, graphic designer, etc.);
  • References of the contributing external authors;
Eligible expenses
  • Design costs;
  • Manufacturing/production costs;
  • Fees charged by contributors (authors, photographers, designers, etc.).
Rates and amount of the grant

The grant is calculated on the basis of a reference quote, comprising manufacturing, preparation and production costs, plus the copyright.

The total amount of the grant is capped at €6,000.

Amount of the support

The grant is paid in two instalments.

The first covers up to 80% of the grant upon submission of the first invoices. The final 20% is paid once the completed project has been sent to Kultur | lx, along with the final breakdown of expenses and report.

For paper publications, Kultur | lx will receive 5 copies and a digital version for distribution on its website.

For digital projects, Kultur | lx must receive a digital version that can be used for profile-raising through its website.

Note: Applicants must ensure that all contributors to their project have given their consent to the publication of the work on the Kultur | lx website. Kultur | lx undertakes to distribute the publication only in its full form and not to use the contributions included within it separately. The distribution of this content is for the purpose of promoting the supported artists and enhancing their impact.

If the project for which the funding was awarded does not materialize by the deadline that the organisation set, the award will be voided. The same applies in the event that one of the conditions applicable to the award of the funding is no longer being met, or if the award was granted on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete information.

Should the funding be voided, the organisation will be entitled to reimbursement of any payments already made. The organisation may, on an exceptional basis, waive its right to reimbursement upon the submission of a written request setting out the reasons, which must be outside the control of the beneficiary of the funding, why the project did not take place and their direct causal link with the fact that it did not take place.

Mention of Kultur | lx

The beneficiary of the support must include the Kultur | lx logo on its communication materials, with the statement “With the support of Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg”.

The contribution to translation costs aims to pay for the growth and distribution of Luxembourg’s literary heritage by supporting foreign publishers in the translation of Luxembourg literature.

Eligibility

This grant is intended for foreign publishers (commercial companies).

The contribution to translation costs is aimed at translation projects into foreign languages of a literary work already published by a Luxembourgish author or an author residing in Luxembourg.

All foreign languages are eligible, provided there is a sufficiently large readership in the target language and a distribution of the translated text.

The eligible literary genres are:

  • Literary anthology;
  • Biography;
  • Drama;
  • Literary essay;
  • Children’s and youth literature;
  • Poetry;

Priority is given to contemporary literature published within the last 15 years by living authors.

Exclusion and restrictions

The financial support is not intended for:

  • Individuals;
  • Municipalities and associations of municipalities; Schools;
  • Charities

Kultur | lx’s contribution to publishing costs shall not be granted for the following publishing projects:

  • Intended to raise funds for charity;
  • Self-published or self-financed;

The translation grant cannot be combined with the publishing grant.

 

Targeted sectors

Literature and publishing

Decision process

Applications are assessed by the Literature and Publishing Selection committee.

Applications for funding shall be submitted electronically via the Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg platform no later than two months before the start of the project and by the deadline for project proposals.

The submission deadlines for projects in 2023 are as follows:

  • March 19, 2023
  • July 23, 2023
  • October 29, 2023
Criteria
  • Cultural added value, i.e. positive impact for the author and/or publisher;
  • Economic and business viability of the publishing project, i.e. whether the professional quality of the distribution of the published work is guaranteed (selling price, target audience, editorial situation in the publisher’s country, distribution network, promotional campaigns, literary editorial programme of the publishing house);
  • Literary quality of the work to be translated, evidenced by critical and public reception, and potentially by literary prizes and other recognitions;
  • Professional experience of the translator, assessed on the basis of his/her curriculum vitae and publications, which will provide information on his/her experience, the genres and authors previously translated, the reputation of the authors and publishing houses, as well as relations with cultural figures or institutions;
  • Attention given to cultural diplomacy objectives and international commitments
Eligible expenses

The support takes the form of full or partial reimbursement of the costs for translating a book.
Only costs that have been agreed in writing by Kultur | lx shall be reimbursed.

Rates and amount of the grant

The application shall be assessed on the basis of a quote from the translator which indicates the method used to calculate the rate. The maximum grant awarded shall be 3,500 euro.

Amount of the support

Payment of the support shall be made:

  • Upon receipt of 5 copies of the subsidised translation after publication, together with an invoice for the translation, made out to Kultur | lx (5-7, rue de l’Alzette, L-4011 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg), signed by the publisher and countersigned by the translator;
  • After checking the note indicating that Kultur | lx supports the publication.

The financial support granted by Kultur | lx shall be void if the project for which the support was granted is not completed within the period set by the institution at the time the support was granted. The same applies if one of the terms for granting the support is no longer met or if the support was granted on the basis of incorrect or incomplete facts.

The invalidity of the granted financial support shall make Kultur | lx entitled to receive the refund of the payment(s) already made. On an exceptional basis, the institution may waive the refund upon notification of a specially reasoned written request setting out the reasons beyond the control of the support beneficiary for the failure to carry out the project and their direct causal link with it.

Required documentations

Once the support has been awarded, the applicant shall respect several conditions:

  • Mention “With the support of Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg” in the publication and copy the logo;
  • Inform Kultur | lx of any major changes in their situation (address, mandate, legal and administrative entity, etc.);
  • Provide Kultur | lx with any information or documents deemed necessary for the processing and follow-up of the file (change of publication date, cancellation of the project, etc.)
Mention of Kultur | lx

The beneficiary of the support must include the Kultur | lx logo on its communication materials, with the statement “With the support of Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg”.

Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg, in response to a request from professionals of the music industry, is launching a pilot grant dedicated to supporting managers who work alongside artists to develop their careers and constitute an important support for the artist’s entourage. This pilot grant has been designed as a two-year grant and offers managers the chance to increase the depth of their professional network and development while aiding them in their pursuit to work more closely with Luxembourgish artists locally and abroad. One of the aims of this grant is to allow managers to build dedicated relationships with the artists in order to further develop their careers (day-to-day activities, negotiating contracts, booking gigs, strategising long term goals, etc.).

For its part, Kultur | lx is committed to accompanying the laureates and has built a mentoring programme with international professionals who will be able to guide the laureates throughout the various stages of this grant. Mentors will come from a variety of backgrounds and countries, specifically within the management sector, and available for bi-monthly consultations with the laureates. In addition, the two laureates will automatically be included in any local or international training initiatives (i.e. educational, workshops, networking events, etc.) brought forth by Kultur | lx. Beneficiaries of the Artist Management Programme will also receive an additional stipend in order to attend up to two international conferences per calendar year.

Eligibility

This grant is intended for:

  • Artist Managers / Management

With Luxembourg citizenship or residency in Luxembourg.

General Form Questions – Documents
  • Cover letter
  • CV of the applicant and/or presentation of their company
  • Overview on the artists they manage
  • Status (selection)
    • Asbl
    • Sarl
    • Independent
    • Other (list)
  • ID (upload)
  • Strategic / Business / Career Development Plan for 2022-2024
    • Describe yourself and/or your company, your strengths, and how your activities help in the overall growth of the Luxembourgish music sector.
    • List the high-level activities and goals for both you and your artists you expect to achieve over the course of the 2022-2024 calendar years. 
    • Global Budget Estimation. Estimate how much you’ll spend on various development activities per calendar year.
Exclusion and restrictions

Beneficiaries of the Artist Management Programme can only receive the award once and are also unable to receive funds via Global Project Grant.

Laureates will also receive an additional stipend to attend up to two (2) international conferences per calendar year. This stipend is capped at €800 maximum per event and must be applied for via Kultur lx’s Support for mobility, research and career development before the deadline specified under “Decision Process” here.

Targeted sectors

Music.

Decision Process

The applications will be examined by an External Selection Committee, which will name two (2) beneficiaries for this pilot grant to take place over the course of two years. The committee’s decision is final. The committee may decide not to award the grant, if it feels that the applications submitted to it do not merit the award.

Applications to be submitted by:
September 4, 2022 deadline.

Criteria
  • Close involvement with the Luxembourgish cultural scene;
  • Working with at least one Luxembourgish artist with a strong export strategy; ideally managers working with artists eligible for Kultur | lx’s support will be favoured. 
  • Relevance and uniqueness of the artist(s) managed;
  • Full or part-time music professional. 
  • Must have a contractual relationship with a Luxembourgish artist; and/or business permit; and/or Asbl, Sarl, Independent status, etc.
  • Relevance of their long-term career strategy;
  • Having an international network is a plus (agents, bookers, labels, etc.);
Expected activities

Including, but not limited to:

  • Personal career development (business meetings, time spent attending conferences and trade events, workshops, etc.).
  • Consultation with the artists day-to-day
  • Strategic planning of releases, performances, festivals or upcoming projects
  • Orchestrating tours
  • Creating marketing and merchandising strategies
  • Networking via business meetings and international conferences
    • An €800 maximum per conference envelope will be granted for up to two events per calendar year.
  • Establish and pursue long-term career goals
  • Take part in a bi-monthly mentoring program with international music managers
  • Quarterly meeting with Kultur | lx
Amount of the grant

The total amount of the grant is capped at €10,000 / year over a two-year period.

Obligations and terms of payment

The manager undertakes to:

  • Pursue weekly work with their core (Luxembourgish) artists;
  • Follow, as much as possible, the guidelines and initiatives set out as part of this grant and to inform Kultur | lx of any changes necessary to properly put that project into effect;
  • Take part in a bi-monthly mentoring program with international music managers;
  • Participate in at least two international conferences per calendar year (for example : Reeperbahn Festival, jazzahead!, IAMA, Eurosonic Noorderslag, Europe Jazz Conference, Classical:NEXT, WOMEX, etc). An €800 maximum per conference envelope will be granted for up to two events per calendar year;
  • Submit a quarterly report on their activities and projects;
  • Submit a detailed report at the end of each year, including a year end balance sheet (“bilan comptable”);
  • Strictly meet his/her statutory obligations (tax, social contributions, copyright, related rights, etc.);
  • Inform Kultur | lx of upcoming events (conferences, workshops, etc) and initiatives with his/her artists roster and provide everything required for publicising and promoting them in good time (images, texts, videos, concert dates, etc.);
  • Maintain a regular dialogue with Kultur | lx on your progress throughout the year.

Terms and conditions for payment of the grant (per calendar year):

    • Instalment 1, October 2022 – €5.000 when the agreement is signed;
    • Instalment 2, €5.000 after the first six months and following a mid-term report;
    • Instalment 3, €5.000 for year two, only following a report including detailed activities and a final financial report written and submitted from year one;
  • If a year-one report has not been provided, laureates will not be eligible to receive funding for the second year of this grant.
    • Instalment 4, €5.000 six months later, plus a final year two report in October 2024 at the end of the 2 year Artist Management Programme;
  • The laureate will need to hand in a final year two report in October at the end of the 2 year Artist Management Programme. If the final report has not been provided, the organisation will be entitled to ask for a full or partial reimbursement of the grant. 

The award of the funding will be voided if one of the obligations applicable to the grant are no longer met, or that the funding was awarded on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete information.

Should the funding be voided, the organisation will be entitled to reimbursement of any payments already made. The organisation may, on an exceptional basis, waive its right to reimbursement upon the submission of a written request setting out the reasons, which must be outside the control of the beneficiary of the funding, why the project did not take place and their direct causal link with the fact that it did not take place.

Kultur | lx wishes to promote the internationalisation of Luxembourgish artists’ profiles and careers. This grant covers the membership in the IETM network and the expenses arising from the participation in its events over a period of three years.

The IETM International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts is a network representing over 500 organisations and individual professionals, from independent artists to public cultural agencies, theatres and festivals, working in the performing arts industry in all disciplines around the world. The IETM holds two plenary meetings a year in European cities, which include conferences and debates, pitching and networking sessions, and an artistic programme. It also holds smaller meetings around the world on specific themes or geographical areas. Participating in the IETM is an opportunity for performing arts professionals to develop international contacts and deepen their understanding of the challenges facing the industry.

Eligibility
  • Artists;
  • A.s.b.l.

Deadline to apply : 27 February 2022 midnight.

Exclusion and restrictions

Artists and organisations already members of the IETM are not eligible for this grant.

Targeted sectors

Performing arts

Award

Applications shall be reviewed and selected by the Selection committee Performing Arts, which will assign the grant holder(s). The Committee’s decision is final. The Committee may decide not to award a grant if it considers that the submissions do not justify the award.

Kultur | lx awards three grants every three years.

Criteria
  • Ties of the artist/the A.s.b.l. to the Luxembourg cultural scene;
  • Internationalisation strategy.
Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses are dedicated to the artist/company members joining the network.

  • Network membership fees;
  • Travel expenses (within the framework of a network event);
  • Accommodation (within the framework of a network event);
  • Per diem (within the framework of a network event);
  • Visa fees (within the framework of a network event);
  • Covid test fees (within the framework of a network event);
Amount of the grant

Reimbursement of up to 80% of eligible expenses. The total amount of aid is limited to €2,000 per year. However, when justified by the nature or scope of the project, the Coordinators reserve the right in accordance with the selection committee to exceed that amount on an exceptional basis.

Obligations and terms of payment

The artist shall:

  • Participate in at least one physical IETM event per year, except in case of force majeure;
  • Participate in preparatory meetings with the Kultur | lx coordination;
  • Submit an interim report each year and a detailed final report at the end of the project;
  • Provide all proof of payment and invoices;
  • Payment of the grant is made after each trip upon submission of the invoices and the report.

Continuing the initiative founded by music:LX in 2020, Kultur | lx is taking over and expanding the Global Project Grant. This grant, available to artists in the Luxembourgish music scene, offers them the chance of setting out and proposing a project that will enable them to kick-start their career development, promotion and marketing, participation in tours, involvement in international workshops/conferences, and to increase the depth of their compositional work.

This initiative is intended to add value to the project and to encourage artists and their teams to plan their strategy one year ahead, with a dedicated budget. For its part, Kultur | lx is committed to accompanying the laureates in all stages of the project.

Deadline to apply : October 16, 2022

Eligibility

This grant is intended for:

  • Artists;

With Luxembourg citizenship or residency in Luxembourg.

Exclusion and restrictions

Beneficiaries of the Global Project Grant are not eligible for other individual grants in the same year and may not apply for the Global Project Grant again the next year.

Targeted sectors

Music

Decision Process

The application files will be examined by the Music External Selection Committee, which will name the beneficiary/ies. The committee’s decision is final. The committee may decide not to award the grant, if it feels that the applications submitted to it do not justify the award.

Applications to be submitted by: October 16, 2022

Criteria
  • Close involvement with the Luxembourg cultural scene;
  • Having recorded at least one EP or album;
  • Long-term career strategy;
  • Artist’s development plan over the year in question;
  • Relevance and uniqueness of the project;
  • Potential for export;
  • Guaranteed commitment of a professional entourage (manager, agent, booker, label, etc.);
  • Quality of the budget and diversity of funding sources;
  • Financial investment from other partners and/or private entities amounting to at least 20% of the total grant.
Eligible expenses

Including, but not limited to:

  • Tours (transport, accommodation, technical team costs, per diem, visas, etc.);
  • Promotion and marketing (press-agency services, community management, creation of promotional material linked to the project, purchase of advertising space, etc.);
  • Composition skills development (services of producers/composers, workshop-registration fees, masterclasses, song-writing, etc.);
  • Career development (management services, business trips, registration fees for conferences/showcases/trade shows, expenses of visiting professionals, etc.).
Ineligible expenses
  • Pressing of CDs/vinyl records;
  • Production of merchandising;
  • Production of music videos;
  • Studio time;
  • Artist’s website.

All other costs related to the artistic and production phase.

Amount of the grant

The total amount of the grant is capped at €25,000. The amount ultimately awarded will depend on how well the criteria are met.

Obligations and terms of payment

The artist undertakes to:

  • Follow, as far as possible, the submitted project, and to inform Kultur | lx of any changes necessary to properly put that project into effect;
  • Submit a mid-term report on the project;
  • Submit a detailed report at the end of the project and provide full evidence of payment and invoices;
  • Strictly meet his/her statutory obligations (tax, social contributions, copyright, related rights, etc.);
  • Inform Kultur | lx of upcoming events and provide everything required for publicising and promoting them in due time (images, texts, videos, concert dates, etc.);
  • Maintain a regular dialogue with Kultur | lx sur on the project’s progress.

Terms and conditions for payment of the grant:

  • Instalment 1 – 50% of the total when the contract is signed;
  • Instalment 2 – 25% of the total at the mid-point of the period set for the project;
  • Instalment 3 – 25% of the total after receipt of the detailed final activity and financial report.

The award of the funding will be voided if the project in respect of which the funding was awarded does not take place by the deadline that the organisation set at the time when the funding was awarded. The same applies in the event that one of the conditions applicable to the award of the funding is no longer being met, or that the funding was awarded on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete information.

Should the funding be voided, the organisation will be entitled to reimbursement of any payments already made. The organisation may, on an exceptional basis, waive its right to reimbursement upon the submission of a written request setting out the reasons, which must be outside the control of the beneficiary of the funding, why the project did not take place and their direct causal link with the fact that it did not take place.

Mention of Kultur | lx

The beneficiary of the grant must include the Kultur | lx logo on all project-related communication materials, with the statement “With the support of Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg”.

Additionnal information

List of previous Laureates

2022
Pop/Rock/Electro/Hip-Hop : Francis of Delirium
Jazz/World : Claire Parsons
Classical/Contemporary : Francesco Tristano

2021
Pop/Rock/Electro/Hip-Hop : TUYS
Jazz/World : Michel Meis 4TET
Classical/Contemporary : Cathy Krier