Artist's Residence Opportunity from Heidelberg UNESCO City of Literature

17th September 2025

Information Booklet

Description

Work grant awarded by the "Kulturstiftung Rhein-Neckar-Kreis e.V." in cooperation with the UNESCO City of Literature Heidelberg for authors from UNESCO Cities of Literature in the “Commandant’s House Dilsberg”, at Dilsberg Fortress in Neckargemünd (distance to Heidelberg approx. 14 kilometres).

The building served as the Commandant’s quarters of the Dilsberg garrison in the 17th century. The former Commandant’s House was acquired 1996 and renovated by the Rhine-Neckar-District. Since then the "Commandant’s House Dilsberg" has been a center for the promotion of art and culture: exhibitions, chamber music concerts, open-air concerts, readings, symposia and discussion rounds enrich the cultural life of the region. Here, art, music, and literature grant holders find a creative work sphere.

Duration of the scholarship is 3 months with residence obligation at Dilsberg fortress. At the end of the grant period there will be readings or presentations by the grant holder/s of their own texts or works.

Benefits & date

13th of April to 13th of July 2026

Total value max. € 3,750 per person:

➔ Boarding fee of € 1,350 per person (€ 15 per day)

➔ Monthly allowance of € 750 per person

➔ Cost absorption of travel expenses (international flights, economy class) in the amount of €1,000 maximum

➔ Public transportation ticket for the Rhine-Neckar transport network system (VRN) limited to the duration of the stay

Other

Candidates have the possibility to apply as a two-team (grant holder and co-fellow), as 2 accommodation rooms are available (individual application is necessary).

The co-recipient should also have his/her own artistic expertise, which has not necessarily to be in the literary field (also music, visual arts, performing arts, film, etc.).

Both artistic personalities have to demonstrate an artistic or interdisciplinary cooperation and be personally well acquainted. It is not necessary that the co-grantee comes from a UNESCO City of Literature.

The co-grantee will be provided with the same financial resources as the grant holder.

The grant holders share a kitchenette and a bathroom in the fully furnished apartment. The apartment is not accessible for physically disabled persons.

Application requirements

Publication of at least one book (prose, essay, narration, poetry, etc.) by a book publisher.
Good to very good knowledge of German and/or English language.
Willingness to participate in local literary life (Dilsberg and/or Heidelberg) e.g. talks with protagonists of the regional literary scene arranged by the grant donors
Registered residence in a UNESCO City of literature (grant holder)

Deadline for application form is 17th September 2025

The Kulturstiftung Rhein-Neckar-Kreis e.V. and the UNESCO City of Literature Heidelberg will make the decision by October 2025.