Temporary Relocation Programme for At-Risk Artists and Cultural Actors

The Temporary Relocation Programme supports artists and cultural actors facing threats or restrictions because of their work by providing a safe environment in cooperation with host organisations in Germany. The programme offers scholarships, artistic support, psychosocial assistance, networking opportunities, and professional development resources to help participants continue their creative and cultural activities.

Funding Summary

• Funding Programme: Temporary Relocation Programme
• Location: Germany (through host organisations)
• Focus Areas: Arts, culture, freedom of expression, democracy, peace, and social engagement
• Eligible Applicants: At-risk artists and cultural actors applying jointly with a German host organisation
• Support Provided:
  • Monthly scholarship
  • Artistic and cultural project support
  • Insurance support
  • Psychosocial assistance
  • Language courses
  • Training and networking opportunities
  • Visa support
  • Counselling and security guidance
• Application Type: Joint application by artist/cultural actor and host organisation

About the Programme

The Temporary Relocation Programme provides support to artists and cultural actors who are at risk and require a safer environment to continue their artistic and cultural work.

The programme is designed for individuals whose commitment to values such as freedom, democracy, peace, open societies, and equality has resulted in restrictions, threats, or pressure from state or non-state actors.

Through cooperation with a host organisation in Germany, selected participants can temporarily continue their creative activities while receiving professional, financial, and personal support.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Protect artists and cultural actors facing threats.
• Support freedom of artistic and cultural expression.
• Enable continuation of creative work in a secure environment.
• Strengthen international cultural exchange.
• Promote democratic values through arts and culture.
• Build connections between artists, cultural organisations, and communities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants are artists and cultural actors who:

• Are professionally active in artistic or cultural fields.
• Have demonstrated artistic, cultural, or social relevance through their work.
• Support values including freedom, peace, democracy, and rejection of discrimination.
• Face restrictions, threats, or risks because of their work or circumstances.
• Remain active in their country of origin or have recently left due to safety concerns.
• Have left their country of origin only recently after 20 February 2026.
• Are unsafe in their current location.
• Do not have access to safe residence through dual citizenship, permanent residency, or national/humanitarian visa options.
• Have sufficient knowledge of English or German.

Eligible Fields of Work

The programme supports artists and cultural actors working in areas such as:

• Visual arts.
• Performing arts.
• Literature.
• Music.
• Cultural projects.
• Socially engaged artistic practices.
• Other recognised artistic and cultural fields.

Applicants must demonstrate that their work has meaningful artistic, cultural, or social impact.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The programme does not support:

• Hobby artists.
• Individuals involved only in private artistic activities.
• Applicants who do not meet all eligibility requirements.
• Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries, Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Previous Martin Roth-Initiative scholarship recipients, except Fast-Track recipients.
• Individuals currently located in Gaza at the time of application due to current restrictions.

Host Organisation Requirements

Applications must be submitted together with a host organisation based in Germany.

Eligible host organisations may include:

• Non-profit museums.
• Theatres.
• Festivals.
• Cultural collectives.
• Socially relevant organisations.
• Non-governmental organisations.

The host organisation must:

• Be a legal entity, such as a registered association or non-profit GmbH.
• Operate on a non-profit basis.
• Have the capacity to host and support the scholarship holder.
• Integrate the participant into organisational structures.
• Support continuation of artistic or cultural activities.
• Manage project administration and reporting requirements.
• Address digital and physical security concerns.

Support Available

Selected scholarship holders may receive support including:

Monthly Scholarship

Participants receive financial support to cover their stay and continue their artistic or cultural activities.

Artistic and Cultural Work Support

Funding may cover resources directly connected to artistic and cultural projects.

Personal Support Services

Support may include:

• Insurance.
• Psychosocial support.
• Language learning opportunities.
• Professional training.
• Networking activities.

Professional Development

Participants may access:

• Workshops.
• Training sessions.
• Exchange opportunities.
• Security-related learning.
• Peer networking with other artists and host organisations.

Visa Assistance

The programme provides support during the visa process.

However, the scholarship visa does not automatically provide permission to undertake employment or self-employment in Germany.

Application Process

Applicants must apply jointly with a German host organisation.

The application process includes:

1. Identifying an eligible host organisation in Germany.
2. Developing a relocation and artistic activity plan.
3. Demonstrating artistic relevance and safety concerns.
4. Providing required personal and organisational documentation.
5. Submitting the joint application.

Required Host Organisation Documentation

Host organisations may need to provide:

• Registration documents.
• Proof of non-profit status.
• Financial records.
• Information required for non-profit audits.
• Evidence of experience with public funding or readiness to comply with funding regulations.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Eligibility of the artist or cultural actor.
• Level of risk and need for protection.
• Artistic, cultural, or social relevance.
• Quality of the proposed activities.
• Capacity of the host organisation.
• Feasibility of relocation and project implementation.
• Ability to provide a safe and supportive environment.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain the risks or restrictions faced.
• Demonstrate the importance and impact of artistic work.
• Choose a host organisation that matches your creative field.
• Provide clear plans for continuing artistic activities.
• Highlight how the relocation will support long-term professional development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a German host organisation.
• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Failing to demonstrate professional artistic activity.
• Applying as a hobby artist.
• Choosing a host organisation without administrative capacity.
• Not explaining the safety situation clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Temporary Relocation Programme?

It is a support programme for artists and cultural actors at risk that enables them to continue their work safely through cooperation with host organisations in Germany.

Can artists apply individually?

No. Applications must be submitted jointly by the artist or cultural actor and a host organisation in Germany.

What support does the programme provide?

Support includes scholarships, artistic funding, insurance, psychosocial assistance, training, networking, and visa support.

Can participants work in Germany?

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

Who can host a participant?

Eligible hosts include non-profit cultural institutions, museums, theatres, festivals, cultural collectives, and NGOs in Germany.

Are hobby artists eligible?

No. Applicants must demonstrate professional artistic or cultural activity with recognised relevance.

Conclusion

The Temporary Relocation Programme provides essential support for artists and cultural actors facing threats because of their work or values. By connecting participants with German host organisations, the programme creates opportunities for creative freedom, cultural exchange, and continued artistic development in a safer environment.