Writers from UNESCO Cities of Literature are invited to apply for applications for a 3 month residency with Heidelberg City of Literature, Germany.

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

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 Rhein-Neckar-District. Since then the Commandant’s House Dilsberg has been a centre 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.

Key information:

• The duration of the biennial scholarship is 3 months with residence obligation in the Commandant’s House Dilsberg.
• Candidates have the possibility to apply as team of two artists (grant holder and co-fellow) as 2 sleeping 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 (could be translation for instance, but also such as music, visual arts, performing arts, film, etc.).
• Both artistic personalities have to demonstrate an artistic or interdisciplinary cooperation and should be personally well acquainted to each other. While the grant holder has to, it is not essential that the co-grantee is coming from a UNESCO City of Literature.
• The co-grantee will be provided with the same financial resources as the grant holder.
• The artists in residence share a kitchenette and a bathroom in the fully furnished apartment.
• The apartment is unfortunately not accessible for disabled persons on this occasion.
• Total payment max. €3,750 per person:
  • Subsistence allowance of €1,350 per person (€15 per day)
  • Monthly allowance/pocket money of €750 per person
  • Additional €1000 travel allowance

 

To apply:

Please complete the application form on the Heidelberg City of Literature website (linked below).

Optionally you can add:

• Excerpt from one of your books (1500 – 3000 words) in German or English
• Letter of recommendation

The deadline for applications is 17th September 2025.