The Bertha Artivism Awards
Global funding for arts activism that
mobilizes communities for social change.
Be a 2026 Bertha Artivist: Applications are now open!
Applications close at 23.59 BST on 21 September 2025.
Find out how to apply below!
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in early November 2025 and 2026 Bertha Artivist selections will be confirmed on 1 December 2025.
Want to find out more about what artivism looks like in practice? Explore current and past Bertha Artivists' projects here.
The Award
The Bertha Artivism Awards supports activist artists, art collectives and organizations to instigate social change.
Artivism is the practice of creating “art that is grounded in the act of ‘doing’ and addresses political or social issues.”1. At Bertha, we believe in the power of art as a call to action to challenge power dynamics and ignite social change.
Successful applicants receive funding for projects that politicize, empower and mobilize communities in collaboration with social justice organizations, campaigns, or movements to achieve specific and measurable change.
Bertha Artivism Awards applications open once a year. Each cohort of Bertha Artivists will begin in January and selected awardees will have up to a year to complete their project and reflections.
What we offer
Grant Funding of up to USD 20,000 per project, including up to USD 1,000 to support the documentation and reflection process. The material gathered during this process will be used by Bertha to develop videos capturing the journey and impact of each recipient’s project.
Peer and mentor support in the form of virtual check-ins with Bertha staff and a cohort of Bertha Artivists.
Participation Requirements
The Bertha Artivism Awards are not intended to be a full-time commitment. Bertha Artivists are required to attend occasional online convenings (a maximum of three during the year) with their cohort and one-to-one check-ins with Bertha staff.
A key component of the Bertha Artivism Awards is documenting the process and impact of the project on the community for reflection, evaluation and learning. Bertha will engage a filmmaker to work with each Bertha Artivist to produce a 3-4 minute video documenting their project, which will serve as the Artivists’ final report.
Bertha Artivists will be required to gather footage throughout the year for use in their video, documenting project development, insights from the project team and community feedback. Bertha Artivists will also be requested to self-record an interview for use in the film.
Artivists may apply for up to USD 1000 to cover costs associated with documentation; this should be included in your overall budget of up to USD 20,000.
Works by documentary photographer Citlali Fabián. Carried out as part her Bertha Artivism Project in 2024.
Selection Criteria
Eligibility criteria
Bertha endeavors to select an inclusive and representative cohort of Bertha Artivists that celebrates diversity. Applicants may come from and work in any country, but to ensure that each cohort of Bertha Artivists is able to be fully participatory, we require all applicants to be proficient in spoken and written English and able to deliver their reporting and evaluation in English or with English translation.
Bertha Artivists will be selected on individual merit but also on their connection to the issues and the communities they seek to empower. Bertha Artivists can be individual artists, arts collectives or arts organizations.
We welcome applications from breakout, mid-career and experienced artists.
Successful applicants will ideally have:
- A body of work or portfolio showcasing their work.
- A history of social impact work.
- Strong personal connections to the community and issues being engaged with.
- Experience working in collaborative networks with local artists, collectives and stakeholders in the community.
- Affiliation to appropriate partners or organizations to amplify work produced during the project.
Project requirements
The Bertha Artivism Awards support artistic activism projects of any artistic medium.
Projects must:
- Have a clear audience in mind (i.e. a community it is located within, the community it aims to empower and other communities that may be affected.)
- Have a plan with clear deliverables and timeline, and must be completed within one year.
- Incorporate an assessment of the risks/potential unintended consequences of participation to targeted communities in their design.
- Be accessible to the public without charge. This does not preclude accepting donations for the work produced.
- Not involve political lobbying activities.
- Use non-violent strategies.
Sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor from his 2023 Bertha Artivism project Sirens of Sewage. Credit: SOS Whitstable.
How to apply
Please complete the online application form by 23:59 (BST) on 21 September 2025.
Applicants will be required to submit:
- Link(s) to portfolio/examples of their work.
- A CV or biography summarizing their work to date.
- A 2 - 3 minute video about themselves and why they are applying.
- A budget for their proposed project, including any documentation costs (max. USD 1,000)
Please note that any generative AI tools used in your application must be disclosed and cited.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a short interview with Bertha staff in early November 2025 and 2026 Bertha Artivist selections will be confirmed on 1 December 2025.
For any enquiries related to the 2025 Bertha Artivism Awards, email artivismawards@berthafoundation.org
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply if I've previously received funding from Bertha Foundation?
Previous recipients of the Bertha Artivism Award may apply three years after their original Award. Previous recipients of other Bertha Foundation funding are welcome to apply for the Bertha Artivism Awards.
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2. What is the maximum amount available?
USD 20,000. Applicants may request up to USD 1,000 for documentation within this maximum.
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3. What if my project budget is more than USD 20,000?
Please include details of how the remaining budget will be funded in your application.
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4. What are the reporting requirements?
Reporting for the Bertha Artivism Awards is multimedia based. This takes the form of a short film that will be produced about the projects after completion. Bertha Artivists are expected to provide visual material (photos, videos etc) for use in the film and record an interview. You are not expected to produce the film yourself - we will contract a filmmaker to do this - and we will provide guidance on the kind of material that is needed for the film. There are no other written or financial reporting requirements, though we do ask you to keep a record (in a format of your choice) of your expenditure in the event that we request to see this information.
5. What does the documentation funding cover?
You may request up to USD 1,000 (within the (USD 20k maximum) to pay for the cost of producing the visual material for the multimedia reporting. This may not be necessary if you have the skills and equipment to do it yourself, but if you think you will need additional support to capture content (e.g. hire a photographer for a key event in your project) you may request this.
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6. I am an individual artist. What are the tax implications of receiving a Bertha Artivism Award?
We are unable to provide advice on tax matters and would suggest you seek independent advice if you are concerned. Note that Bertha Foundation is registered in Switzerland and award payments will originate there. Alternatively, you may wish to find a fiscal sponsor to receive the funds on your behalf.
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7. We are a collective/NGO but are not legally registered. Can we apply?
Yes! We suggest that you find a Fiscal Sponsor, who will countersign the grant agreement with you and receive the Award funds on your behalf. Note that Bertha Foundation cannot suggest a fiscal sponsor for you - you must find one yourself.
About Bertha Foundation
Bertha Foundation fights for a more just world. We create programs and provide funding to support individuals and organizations working to address some of the most pressing social justice issues of our time. We exist to create space, opportunities and connections for social justice work that is often seen as too radical or not measurable.
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