Musk Foundation Doubles Down on ECL Grant
Ancient Rome Live (ARL) is proud to announce the second year of the Musk Foundation’s Expandere Conscientiae Lumen award, with a renewed $1 million grant received in December 2025. The continued support marks a major vote of confidence in ARL’s global work advancing archaeological research, cultural heritage initiatives, and public engagement around the Greco-Roman world.
The second award follows the success of the program’s inaugural year. The first $1 million grant, received in December 2024, funded 11 innovative projects in seven countries, ranging from active excavations to digital heritage initiatives. The projects were selected after ARL launched an open call that attracted hundreds of applicants from archaeologists, researchers, conservators, technologists, and cultural institutions worldwide.
The Expandere Conscientiae Lumen grant program is designed to support projects that preserve and promote Greco-Roman culture—the foundation of Western civilization—through innovation, sustainability, and measurable impact. A scientific committee reviewed submissions and identified initiatives that push the boundaries of both field archaeology and public-facing scholarship.
All first-round projects are currently underway, with several nearing completion. Highlights include ongoing work in North Macedonia and the digital documentation of the Column of Marcus Aurelius in Rome. ARL Director Darius Arya began site visits and filming in early 2026, documenting projects in Rome, Pompeii (DigiTex excavation), and Tunisia (Numluli), with additional visits planned in the coming months. The first cycle is expected to conclude this spring.
“Each project offers remarkable new insight into the ancient world,” Arya said. “Together, they demonstrate pioneering archaeology in action- where rigorous fieldwork meets digital innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. These initiatives not only deepen our understanding of the past, but also set new standards for how research, technology, and meaningful public engagement can work together to shape the future of the field and expand access to cultural heritage worldwide.”
Arya also emphasized the broader significance of the renewed funding: “We are deeply proud to receive continued support from the Musk Foundation. This recognition affirms the impact of our work and strengthens our ability to operate as an active, participatory organization—one that not only supports but helps shape the next generation of innovative archaeological and cultural heritage projects. It allows us to invest in bold ideas, expand our global collaborations, and ensure that new discoveries reach wider audiences through research, storytelling, and public engagement.”
The second year of funding will allow ARL to evaluate current initiatives for continued support while strengthening partnerships with teams already at work in the field and in digital research environments. At the same time, the organization is preparing to expand the program’s reach, refining its model and identifying areas where new investment can have the greatest impact.
Ancient Rome Live will also shortly announce its 2026 open call for applicants, inviting archaeologists, researchers, and cultural institutions worldwide to propose new projects that advance the preservation, study, and public understanding of the Greco-Roman world.
As the program grows, Ancient Rome Live continues to position itself at the intersection of excavation, innovation, and global storytelling—bringing the ancient world into the present while helping safeguard its legacy for the future.
