The Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, transitioning from its physical New York location to a decentralized global museum model since 2024, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Himalayan art and culture. On October 10, 2025, the institution announced the recipient of its prestigious 2025 Rubin Art Prize as well as the grantees of its 2025 Research and Art Projects Grants, collectively distributing $230,000 in financial support to innovative artists and scholars connected to the Himalayan region.
Recognizing Artistic Excellence: Khadhok Tibetan Artists’ Collective Wins 2025 Rubin Art Prize
The 2025 Rubin Art Prize, carrying a substantial award of $30,000, was awarded to Khadhok—a vibrant Tibetan artists’ collective based in Dharamshala, India. Founded in 2023 by visionary artists including Le Taake, Tashiima, and Tenzin Melak, Khadhok has swiftly emerged as a key platform fostering contemporary Tibetan visual art.
Representing a crucial bridge between centuries-old Himalayan artistic traditions and contemporary political and cultural expressions, Khadhok’s multidisciplinary approach embodies the Rubin's core mission. The collective expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the prize’s role in invigorating their work and strengthening community support for emerging Himalayan artists Rubin Museum press release and ArtNews announcement here.
Empowering Cultural Scholarship: 15 Projects Funded for Himalayan Art Research and Engagement
Alongside the prize, the Rubin awarded $200,000 distributed among 15 selected research and artistic initiatives. These projects were chosen from a competitive pool of 132 applications spanning over 30 countries, reflecting the wide global interest in Himalayan cultural heritage.
Funded projects include community-managed conservation programs for Tibetan Buddhist art in Mongolia, documentation of endangered religious architectures in northern India’s remote Zanskar region, development of Tibetan art educational materials, and multimedia exhibitions capturing complex living traditions. Grant sizes ranged from $3,000 to $25,000, tailored to each initiative’s scope and impact.
These grants enable practitioners and scholars to document, conserve, and creatively reinterpret Himalayan art forms while expanding accessibility and awareness among contemporary audiences Rubin Museum grant report, ArtNews coverage, and museum statements.rubinmuseum+1
The Rubin Museum's Transition to a Global, Decentralized Institution
After closing its physical space in 2024, the Rubin has embraced a decentralized “global museum” model, collaborating with universities, cultural organizations, and communities worldwide to circulate Himalayan art and knowledge beyond traditional museum walls. This innovative approach strengthens the museum’s reach and supports a new generation of artists and researchers dedicated to Himalayan culture’s vibrancy and dynamism Rubin Museum official press.
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Khadhok Tibetan Artists’ Collective artwork and portraits (Dharamshala studio photos by Rubin Museum)
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Tibetan Buddhist paintings and conservation projects images (Rubin Museum Archives)
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Architectural photographs of Zanskar monasteries (courtesy of Himalayan cultural heritage programs)
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Zanskar religious architecture conservation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rubin Museum 2025 Art Prize?
It is an annual award recognizing outstanding artistic contributions from individuals or collectives working in the Himalayan region. The 2025 prize was awarded to Khadhok Tibetan Artists’ Collective with a $30,000 grant.
What are the Rubin Research and Art Projects Grants?
These grants support scholarly and artistic projects that promote the preservation, study, and reinterpretation of Himalayan art and culture. In 2025, 15 projects received a total of $200,000 in funding.
Who is eligible to apply for the Rubin grants?
Artists, scholars, educators, and nonprofit organizations connected to Himalayan art and culture worldwide, with projects ranging from conservation to multimedia exhibition development.
What kind of projects were funded in 2025?
Examples include Tibetan art curriculum development, conservation training in Mongolia, documentation of endangered monasteries in Zanskar, and video installations exploring Buddhist concepts.
How has the Rubin Museum changed since closing its physical location?
The Rubin Museum transitioned to a decentralized global model that collaborates internationally, expanding its mission beyond a single building to a worldwide platform.
Where can I find more information or apply for Rubin Museum grants?
Further details and application instructions are available on the Rubin Museum official website and their dedicated Grants and Awards page.