Call for Submissions: Martin Roth Initiative

The Martin Roth Initiative provides temporary residency and funding in Germany for artists and cultural actors at risk, enabling them to continue their work in a secure environment. The program offers scholarships, personal support, project funding, and integration assistance, with placements hosted by legally established German cultural organisations.

The Martin Roth Initiative is a funding and residency program designed to support artists and cultural actors whose freedom or safety is restricted due to their work or circumstances.

The program allows recipients to continue their artistic or cultural practice in Germany under the guidance of a host cultural organisation. It prioritizes the protection, professional development, and integration of artists at risk.

Objectives of the Initiative

• Provide temporary protective stays for artists and cultural actors at risk

• Enable continued work and creative output in a safe environment

• Offer personal, financial, and professional support to facilitate artistic practice

• Foster integration into German cultural and professional networks

• Strengthen host organisations’ capacity to support at-risk artists

What the Funding Includes

Scholarship and Financial Support

• Monthly scholarship for the duration of the placement

• Financial support for project-related personnel within the host organisation

• No automatic permission for employment or self-employment under the scholarship visa

Personal and Professional Support

• Insurance coverage

• Psychosocial support

• Language courses (English or German)

• Networking and professional development opportunities

• Counselling and guidance related to visa procedures

Host Organisation Support

• Legally established, non-profit cultural organisations in Germany

• Responsible for implementing the project and administering funds

• Provide professional guidance, accommodation support, and integration assistance

• Facilitate engagement with German arts and cultural networks

Eligibility Criteria

Individual Applicants

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrably active in artistic or cultural fields

• Work must show artistic, cultural, or social relevance

• Sufficient English or German proficiency for collaboration with the host and the initiative

• Must not have access to a safe abode through dual citizenship or permanent residency

• Excluded nationalities include:

  • EU and EEA countries

  • Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK, USA

• Previous recipients of the initiative are not eligible

• Emergency requests are not accommodated; the program is not a rapid-response mechanism

• Applications from Gaza are currently not accepted due to travel restrictions

Host Organisation Eligibility

• Legally established non-profit entities in Germany

• Examples: cultural institutions, collectives, socially relevant organisations

• Must provide ongoing professional and personal support to scholarship holders

Scholarship Duration and Timeline

• Scholarships may last up to 15 months

• Earliest funding start: June 2026

• Scholarship period begins no earlier than mid-July 2026

Application Process

1. Prepare a complete application, including:

   • Personal information and artistic portfolio

   • Project plan with objectives, expected outcomes, and host details

   • Legally signed hardcopy of the host application

2. Submit all documents by post by the specified deadline

3. Only complete applications are considered for evaluation

Evaluation Process

• Initial formal eligibility check

• Independent committee of experts from the German arts, cultural, and civil society sectors evaluates applications

• Assessment considers alignment with the initiative’s mission and potential for meaningful impact

• Funding is dependent on available budget, with no legal entitlement to a grant

Why This Initiative Matters

• Ensures continuity of creative work for artists at risk

• Provides security, professional development, and integration in Germany

• Supports host organisations in nurturing international cultural exchange

• Enhances visibility and impact of socially and culturally relevant artistic work

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate the artistic and social significance of your work

• Clearly outline collaboration plans with the host organisation

• Include evidence of previous achievements and professional experience

• Ensure all required documents, including host application, are legally signed and submitted on time

• Highlight plans for integration and engagement in Germany’s cultural environment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Martin Roth Initiative?

Artists and cultural actors at risk whose freedom or safety is restricted, with demonstrable artistic or cultural work, and sufficient English or German proficiency.

2. Are all nationalities eligible?

No. EU/EEA citizens, and residents of Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA are excluded.

3. Can scholarship recipients work in Germany?

No. The scholarship visa does not automatically allow employment or self-employment.

4. What kind of support does the initiative provide?

Monthly scholarship, personal insurance, psychosocial support, language courses, networking, counselling, and project-related funding for host organisations.

5. How long can scholarships last?

Up to 15 months, starting no earlier than mid-July 2026.

6. What are host organisation requirements?

Legally established non-profit cultural organisations in Germany capable of supporting scholarship holders professionally and personally.

7. Is this an emergency program?

No. The initiative does not provide immediate support or accelerated visa procedures.

Conclusion

The Martin Roth Initiative provides a vital lifeline for artists and cultural actors at risk, combining safe residency, professional support, and financial resources to ensure they can continue their work. By partnering with experienced host organisations in Germany, the program strengthens the resilience, visibility, and impact of culturally and socially significant artistic work while promoting international cultural exchange.