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Sports & Culture

Financial Assistance For Cultural Activities In Performing Arts For Building Grants Including Studio Theatres

The scheme “Financial Assistance for Cultural Activities in Performing Arts for Building Grants Including Studio Theatres” was launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Authority

Central

Region

None

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Maximum assistance under the scheme will be as under: | CITIESTYPE OF PROJECTLIMIT OF ASSISTANCEBangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, MumbaiProjects involving new construction or the purchase of built-up space ₹50 lakhsBangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, MumbaiAll other projects ₹25 lakhsAll non-Metro cities, towns, or placesAll projects ₹25 lakhs2. All grants under the Scheme will be of a non-recurring nature. Recurring expenditures, if any, will be the responsibility of the grantee organization. | - Assistance under the scheme to an organization will be restricted to a maximum of 60% of the approved estimated project cost, subject to the ceilings given above. In the case of projects in the North Eastern Region (NER) [comprises States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura] the maximum amount of Central financial assistance would be 90% of the total approved project cost subject to the maximum financial ceilings as mentioned above. The balance of the approved estimated project cost is to be incurred by the organization as its ‘matching share’. | Illustrations:- For projects involving new construction/ purchase of built-up space in metro cities. | Case 1: If the approved cost of the project is ₹100.00 lakhs (in metro cities), the maximum grant which may be sanctioned would be ₹50.00 lakhs, the matching share of the grantee organization being ₹50.00 lakhs. | Case 2: If the approved cost of the project is ₹70.00 lakhs (in metro cities), the maximum grant which may be sanctioned would be ₹42.00 lakhs, the matching share of the grantee organization being ₹28.00 lakhs. In the case of NER projects, the maximum grant which may be sanctioned would be ₹25.00 lakhs, the matching share of the grantee organization being ₹45.00 lakhs. | For projects involving new construction/ purchase of built-up space in non-metro cities and all projects under: | Case 3: If the approved cost of the project is ₹60.00 lakhs (in non-metro cities), the maximum grant which may be sanctioned would be ₹25.00 lakhs, the matching share of the grantee organization being ₹35.00 lakhs. | Case 4: If the approved cost of the project is ₹40.00 lakhs (in non-metro cities), the maximum grant which may be sanctioned would be ₹24.00 lakhs, the matching share of the grantee organization being ₹16.00 lakhs. However, in the case of NER, the maximum grant which may be sanctioned would be ₹25.00 lakhs, the matching share of the grantee organization being ₹15.00 lakhs. | - Cost of the land (actual consideration paid by the recipient organization and not market value) and development charges borne by the organization shall be accounted as matching shares. | - Expenditure already incurred by the organization on construction/ purchase/ development of land & building and purchase of fixtures and fittings within a period of one year from the date of application, shall also be accounted as matching share. The organization will submit accounts of expenditure incurred in this regard duly certified by a Chartered Accountant. | - In case the cost of the project is enhanced subsequently, the liability of the Government of India will be restricted to the original sanctioned amount, and all the extra expenditure will be met by the grantee organization from its own resources. | - Once the project proposal has been considered and approved for a certain amount, no subsequent requests for review and enhancement of project cost will usually be entertained. | - An Undertaking is required to be submitted at the time of submission of the application by the applicant organization to the effect that the project will be completed within a period of three years from the date of release of 1st Installment.

Who can apply

Performance venues like Auditoria, Open-air Theatres, and Concert Halls.; Rehearsal halls for Theatre/ Music/ Dance.; Training Centres/ Schools for Theatre/ Music/ Dance etc.; A small theatre, with all the essential equipment for the performance of live music, dance, or theatre or combination of these arts;; An unconventional space that cannot qualify as an auditorium in the traditional sense; therefore, the stage or performance area is not normally placed within a proscenium arch nor raised too high or separated from the audience by a clearly demarcated division.; A seating arrangement for spectators that is totally flexible and can be moved fluidly from one part of the space to another depending on the artistic aim of a particular performance; therefore, the seats/chairs must not be fixed in position.; A capacity that usually does not go over 100 to 200; therefore, such a space is often called a “little theatre” or “intimate theatre” because it allows for close-up and intimate viewing by spectators.; One or two adjoining green room(s)/dressing room(s) /makeup room(s) with toilet(s) for the performers, and a storage area; therefore, the entire unit, though minimal, functions as a theatre in every sense.; New construction or purchase of built-up space.; Renovation/ upgradation/ modernization/ extension/ alteration of an existing building/ space/ facility.; Remodeling of the interiors of an existing built-up space/cultural center.; Provision of facilities like electricals, air conditioning, acoustics, light and sound systems, and other items of equipment, such as musical instruments, costumes, audio/ video equipment, furniture, and stage material that may be required for a studio theatre, auditorium, rehearsal hall, classroom, etc.; The organization has a predominantly cultural profile, working primarily for the promotion of arts and culture in fields such as dance, drama, theatre, music, fine arts, Indology, and literature at least for a period of three years.; The organization is registered as a society under the Registration of Societies Act (XXI of 1860) or similar Acts, or as a Trust or as a Not-for-Profit Company, at least for a period of three years.; The organization is well-established and known to be doing meaningful work in the field of its activity and has gained a local, regional, or national identity.; Its charter is devoted to the preservation, propagation, and promotion of Indian arts and culture.; Government-sponsored bodies for promoting the performing arts.; University Departments or Centres dedicated to the performing arts.; Colleges are set up to promote the performing arts.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the objective of the scheme?

The objective of the Scheme is to support voluntary cultural organizations and government-aided cultural organizations in their efforts to create appropriately equipped training, rehearsal, and performance spaces for artists.

Which ministry has started the scheme?

Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Is this scheme centrally sponsored?

Yes, this scheme is centrally sponsored.

How much financial assistance will be provided under the scheme?

The maximum financial assistance of [?]50.00 lakhs is given for projects involving new construction or the purchase of built-up space and [?]25.00 lakhs will be given for all other projects to the cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Further, [?]25 lakhs will be given to all non-Metro cities, towns, or places for all projects.

How much amount of grant shall be released by the central government under the scheme?

Assistance under the scheme to an organization will be restricted to a maximum of 60% of the approved estimated project cost.

How much funding will be given to the North Eastern Region by the central government under the scheme?

In the case of projects in the North Eastern Region (NER) [comprises States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura] the maximum amount of Central financial assistance would be 90% of the total approved project cost subject to the maximum financial ceilings as mentioned above. The balance of the approved estimated project cost is to be incurred by the organization as its 'matching share'.

Which type of organization is eligible to apply under the scheme?

The organization is registered as a society under the Registration of Societies Act (XXI of 1860) or similar Acts, or as a Trust or as a Not-for-Profit Company, at least for a period of three years is eligible to apply under the scheme.

Are the Colleges and Universities eligible to apply?

Yes, the University Department/Centre, or College dedicated to the performing arts may also be automatically eligible, provided its record over the preceding three years is satisfactory.

What will be the nature of grants?

All grants under the Scheme will be of a non-recurring nature. Recurring expenditures, if any, will be the responsibility of the grantee organization.

How shall the grant be given to the organizations?

On approval of the project proposal, the Ministry will communicate the decision to the organization through the publication of Minutes on the Website of the Ministry under the Scheme, indicating the approved total cost of the project, the quantum of assistance sanctioned, the quantum of matching share of the organization and other terms and conditions for release of the sanctioned amount of assistance. Thereafter, the grant will be released to WZCC, Udaipur, the designated Central Nodal Agency (CNA) under the scheme, for further disbursal of the grant installment to these organizations.

How shall the grant be paid?

The financial assistance will be released in two equal installments of 50% each of the sanctioned amount of Central assistance.

In how many years the project should be completed?

If the project is not completed within a period of three years from the date of release of the 1st installment, no further grant shall be released to the organization and the claim will become time-barred.

Where can an organization find the application form?

The application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Ministry of Culture. https://indiaculture.gov.in/sites/default/files/Schemes/Modified_Application_Form_Building_Grant270623.pdf

How can an organization apply under the scheme?

The application in the prescribed format complete in all respect should be addressed to The Director, West Zone Cultural Centre, (WZCC), Bagore Ki Haweli, Gaugaur Ghat, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313001, and should be sent along with complete enclosures only by Speed Post or Registered Post.