INTRODUCTION
Tabung Bantuan Seni (TBS) is a channel for providing contributions in the form of financial assistance, specifically to individual and group art practitioners who apply for support from this department to carry out artistic activities outside the National Art Gallery (NAG)

BACKGROUND
The National Art Gallery (NAG) was established on 28 August 1958 with the vision of becoming a premier centre and trustee of the nation’s artistic heritage. NAG functions as an art institution that collects, conserves, preserves, exhibits, promotes, and nurtures awareness, understanding, and a high level of appreciation of visual arts among all segments of society.

The National Art Gallery (NAG) has successfully been involved in fostering a diversity of artistic manifestations within society across various strata through external activities. Several awards, grants, and funding initiatives have been implemented from time to time.

OBJECTIVES
Tabung Bantuan Seni was established as an effort to help finance visual art practitioners, painters, and art professionals to participate in various programmes, courses, and training aimed at enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competencies within their respective fields.

To provide funding to art practitioners to carry out artistic activities either domestically or internationally.

To assist artists in building and advancing their artistic careers.

To strengthen the image and credibility of the department in intensifying high-quality artistic activities in elevating the status of art and local art practitioners

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Tabung Bantuan Seni is open to:

Individual Applications

  1. Malaysian citizen
  2. Not a permanent civil servant, i.e. public officers such as contract, temporary, short-term, part-time, or probationary appointees (subject to certain conditions)
  3. Obtain approval from the Head of Department
  4. Physically healthy and free from drug abuse
  5. Free from any criminal charges or legal action
  6. Registered with / a member of the National Art Gallery (NAG) (Membership)
  7. Programme / activity must be non-profit-making

Group of Individuals Applications

  1. Malaysian Citizens
  2. Free from any criminal charges or legal action
  3. Registered with / members of the National Art Gallery (NAG) (Membership)*
  4. Programme / activity must be non-profit-making
  5. Obtain written consent of appointment or approval as group leader/representative

Association / Organisation / Foundation / Non-Governmental Organisation Applications

  1. Registered with the relevant authority/company and registration remains valid
  2. Free from any criminal charges or legal action
  3. Registered with / a member of the National Art Gallery (NAG) (Membership)
  4. Programme / activity must be non-profit-making
  5. Obtain written consent of appointment or approval as leader/representative of the Association / Organisation / Foundation / Non-Governmental Organisation represented

All applications must submit the following:

  1. Artist / institution biodata
  2. Project paper / proposal (including cost estimates)
  3. Offer letter / invitation letter
  4. Copy of the Organisation Registration Certificate

OBLIGATIONS / CONTRIBUTIONS

Successful applicants who receive this funding are required to:

  1. Display and promote the National Art Gallery (NAG) logo in all publications
  2. Submit a report or catalogue and audiovisual documentation related to the programme
  3. Provide voluntary reciprocal contributions to NAG if requested. Such contributions may be in the form of services, advisory support, or any other services specified by National Art Gallery.

METHOD / PROCESS

  1. Selection of eligible applicants for this funding will be evaluated, screened, and determined by the NAG Panel
  2. Meetings of the Arts Assistance Fund Committee will be held at least within a period of two weeks to one working month (depending on the number of applications received)
  3. Applications must be submitted at least two months before the programme takes place
  4. Applications will be automatically nullified if any false information is found, and legal action may be taken if the assistance is misused

To apply, please download the application form here.

Application checklist, click here.

MAILING ADDRESS

Applications may be submitted by sending the required documents via email to tbs@artgallery.gov.my or physically to:

Ketua Pengarah
Balai Seni Negara
No. 2, Jalan Temerloh
Off Jalan Tun Razak
53200 Kuala Lumpur
(u/p: Urusetia Tabung Bantuan Seni)
Tel: 03-40267000

TBS