Hyundai foundation offers Rs 60 lakh in grants for artists in sixth Art for Hope season

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), has announced the sixth season of its flagship initiative, Art for Hope. Grants totalling Rs 60 lakh will be given this season to support creative projects across the country. The announcement was made from Gurugram on November 3, 2026.

The theme of the sixth season is "India in Motion". Artists, craftspeople, collectives and other creative professionals have been invited to explore how a rapidly changing India is shaping new ideas, new identities and new possibilities through art. Those selected will receive financial support, mentoring and national recognition. They will also get a chance to present their work at the Art for Hope Festival.

Speaking on the launch of the initiative, HMIL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tarun Garg said, "Hyundai's global vision of 'Progress for Humanity' is not limited to mobility. It also includes creating opportunities that empower people and communities. Through Art for Hope, we have given more than Rs 2.20 crore in grants, supported more than 200 artists across the country and helped preserve more than 75 traditional and folk art forms. By giving grants totalling Rs 60 lakh in the sixth season, we wish to strengthen creative voices that show the aspirations, diversity and dynamism of a rapidly changing India. Guided by the values of trust, pride and progress, we will remain committed to cultural inclusion, creativity and community development through art."

Since its inception, Art for Hope has expanded to 22 states and Union territories. It has become a platform connecting artists, craftspeople and creative collectives with a larger audience. The initiative's annual festivals have drawn more than 35,000 visitors, 61 per cent of whom were visiting an exhibition for the first time. The festivals gave space to more than 100 craft and NGO stalls, creating livelihood opportunities and bringing recognition to grassroots talent.

Applications have been invited in six categories: visual art, digital art, performing art, traditional art and craft, functional art, and multidisciplinary projects.

The last date to apply is November 15, 2026. Applicants can apply online on the official website, hyundaiartforHope.com.

The theme "India in Motion" is described as reflecting the energy of a country moving forward, where people, ideas, communities and cultures continually create new possibilities. It encourages artists to explore how progress, aspiration, innovation and inclusion affect life in urban and rural India. The initiative's "Art Without Barriers" approach will continue in the sixth season, with marginalised and underrepresented communities, including persons with disabilities, encouraged to take part.

Through Art for Hope, HMIF is creating meaningful opportunities for emerging and underrepresented creative voices, including women, rural craftspeople, traditional and folk artists, marginalised communities and persons with disabilities. Besides financial grants, the initiative offers mentoring, national recognition and a platform to present work, while cultural preservation, inclusion and community development are pursued through art.