Deadline: 29-Aug-2025
The Martin Roth Initiative (MRI) Grant Program is currently accepting applications from host organizations in Germany and artists or cultural actors at risk. This program supports temporary relocation so that these individuals can continue their creative work in a safe environment.
Applications must be submitted jointly by the artists and the host organizations. Both parties are responsible for completing their respective sections through the MRI online platform.
The grant provides several forms of support. This includes a monthly scholarship for the artist, insurance, psychosocial assistance, language training, professional development opportunities, and access to networking events. Host organizations may also receive financial aid for additional temporary staff directly connected to the grant project.
MRI also offers counseling and training for both artists and host organizations, including safety measures, sensitive communication, and mental health support. Assistance with the visa process is provided; however, obtaining a visa does not guarantee the right to work or be self-employed in Germany.
This program does not serve as an emergency intervention and cannot expedite application or visa processing. There is no legal entitlement to receive funding through MRI.
Scholarships are awarded for a duration of up to 15 months. Eligible applicants must be artists or cultural actors who actively support open societies, democracy, freedom, and peace through their work. They must also be facing risks or threats because of their work or personal circumstances.
Applicants should still be based in their home countries, have recently fled after February 28, 2025, or be in unsafe current locations. They must not have secure residency through dual citizenship or a humanitarian visa and should demonstrate relevant language skills to engage effectively with host institutions.
Only those with a proven track record of professional cultural or artistic work will be considered. Hobby artists or those engaged in private creative work are not eligible. Also excluded are citizens of the EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA, as well as former recipients of MRI grants.
Eligible host organizations include cultural institutions, collectives, or socially relevant entities based in Germany. These institutions must be capable of supporting the artistic development and well-being of the scholarship recipients.
After initial eligibility checks by MRI, a selection committee made up of professionals from Germany’s arts and civil society sectors reviews the applications. Selection is based on factors such as the level of risk faced by the applicant, the quality and relevance of their past work, the compatibility with MRI’s mission, and the proposed project’s goals.
The committee also evaluates the host organization’s capacity to support the artist, the artistic fit between host and applicant, and the project’s potential positive impact on the community. Gender balance and diversity are also taken into account.
Applications must be submitted through the MRI platform, and access is granted upon request during the current application period. Each participant—artist and host—must submit their own portion of the application.
For more information, visit MRI.
