Martin Roth-Initiative 2026 Temporary Relocation Fellowship in Germany for Artists and Cultural Practitioners at Risk ·Risk

The Martin Roth-Initiative (MRI) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Temporary Relocation Fellowship in Germany, offering life-changing support to artists and cultural practitioners around the world who are facing threats, persecution, or unsafe living conditions.

The application period for the Germany funding programme runs from 6 July 2026 to 11 September 2026, giving eligible applicants and host organizations an opportunity to work together to create a safe environment where artistic and cultural work can continue.

The initiative provides temporary relocation, financial support, professional development opportunities, networking, and institutional collaboration, ensuring that artists at risk can continue making meaningful contributions to society while remaining safe.

The Martin Roth-Initiative is jointly implemented by the ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen and the Goethe-Institut. It was established in response to the global decline in social freedoms and increasing threats faced by artists, cultural practitioners, and defenders of democratic values.

About the Martin Roth-Initiative

The Martin Roth-Initiative supports artists and cultural practitioners whose work promotes democratic values, freedom of expression, peace, and open societies but who have become vulnerable because of their professional or civic engagement.

Rather than simply providing financial assistance, the initiative creates meaningful partnerships between scholarship recipients and host organizations. These collaborations allow participants to continue their artistic and cultural work while developing professionally in a safe and supportive environment.

The programme recognizes the essential role that artists and cultural practitioners play in strengthening civil society, preserving cultural diversity, and promoting dialogue across communities.

What Does the Fellowship Support?

The Martin Roth-Initiative facilitates temporary relocation for eligible artists and cultural practitioners.

For this application cycle, funding is available for relocation to Germany.

During the fellowship period, participants work closely with host organizations that provide professional guidance, mentorship, and institutional support.

Host organizations may include:

• Museums
• Theatres
• Cultural institutions
• Festivals
• Cultural collectives
• Civil society organizations
• Other socially relevant organizations capable of supporting artistic and cultural work

These organizations provide scholarship holders with an environment where they can safely continue their work while engaging with local cultural communities.

What Does the Fellowship Include?

Successful applicants may receive a comprehensive package of support that includes:

• A monthly scholarship.
• Individual financial support based on specific needs.
• Funding for language courses where necessary.
• Support for professional training.
• Networking opportunities.
• Exchange programmes with other scholarship holders.
• Professional consultations throughout the fellowship.
• Financial support for additional personnel within the host organization where appropriate.
• Continuous collaboration between scholarship holders and host institutions.

These benefits are designed to help participants continue their creative work while expanding their professional networks and building long-term opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to artists and cultural practitioners worldwide who meet the following criteria:

• They actively work to promote open societies, peace, democracy, and freedom.
• They are currently experiencing threats or persecution because of their work, advocacy, or other circumstances.
• They do not have access to a safe place to stay.
• They possess the language skills necessary to cooperate effectively with a host organization.
• They have an established history of artistic or cultural work.
• They can demonstrate the social relevance and impact of their artistic or cultural activities.

Applicants from all regions of the world are encouraged to apply provided they satisfy the eligibility requirements.

Host Organizations

Applications require collaboration between the applicant and a host organization.

Eligible host organizations may include institutions such as:

• Museums
• Theatres
• Festivals
• Cultural organizations
• Cultural collectives
• Civil society organizations
• Other organizations capable of supporting scholarship holders throughout the fellowship period

Host organizations play an important role by providing supervision, professional support, and opportunities for scholarship recipients to continue their artistic and cultural work.

Application Process

Applications for funding in Germany follow a three-step process.

Step 1: Initial Contact

Both the artist (or cultural practitioner) and the host organization should independently contact the Martin Roth-Initiative.

Step 2: Complete the Applications

Each partner completes their own application form.

The host organization is responsible for preparing the project budget.

Step 3: Submit Through the Online Portal

Applications must be submitted through the official application portal.

Access to the application portal is provided after contacting the Martin Roth-Initiative by email.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documentation:

• Application form for the artist or cultural practitioner.
• Application form for the host organization.
• Financial plan.
• Business documents of the host organization.

Application Deadline

Application Period: 6 July 2026 – 11 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to begin discussions with suitable host organizations as early as possible to allow sufficient time to prepare complete applications before the deadline.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Artists and cultural practitioners often face significant risks while promoting freedom of expression, democracy, and social justice.

The Martin Roth-Initiative helps ensure that these individuals can continue their important work in a secure environment while strengthening international cultural cooperation and professional networks.

By supporting temporary relocation, the programme contributes to preserving artistic freedom and protecting voices that are essential to open and democratic societies.

How to Apply

Interested applicants and prospective host organizations should first contact the Martin Roth-Initiative to obtain access to the official application portal.

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For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

Discover more Global Fellowship Opportunities on OFY here.