About

The EMKP Documentation Grant Program provides vital funding to document endangered material knowledge systems and preserve irreplaceable records associated with traditional objects, spaces, architecture, performances, and environments. Program goals center on safeguarding vulnerable cultural heritage through diverse documentation methods, including film, audio recordings, photographs, written notes, maps, 3D models, and drawings. The funding scope encompasses two distinct tiers: Small Grants with a maximum award of £20,000 for up to one year, and Large Grants with a maximum award of £100,000 for up to two years. Small Grants are designed for limited-scope projects focusing on specific material practices, initial pilot studies, or initiatives led by early-career practitioners. Large Grants support mature projects requiring intensive documentation, larger collaborative teams, multi-strand workflows, or extended timelines accommodating seasonal cycles. Eligible activities include fieldwork, recording sessions, data digitization, and the creation of comprehensive digital archives. Funded projects must submit complete digital copies of their records to the open-access EMKP repository hosted by the British Museum, ensuring long-term global accessibility for target beneficiaries, researchers, and local communities. The geographic focus is global, with priority specifically given to projects operating in regions and countries where financial support for heritage research is critically limited.

Eligibility

Applicants may apply regardless of their nationality or academic background. However, all applicants must apply in formal partnership with a recognized host institution capable of providing independent financial and ethical oversight for the project. There are no geographic restrictions regarding where the proposed work can be carried out. Evaluation considerations prioritize projects located in regions with limited existing research funding, as well as initiatives demonstrating strong methodological rigor, appropriate scoping for the requested grant tier, and a firm commitment to open-access archiving and preservation.

Post Date: October 21, 2026