Hessische Kulturstiftung Travel and Residency Grants 2027/2028

Overview

The Hessische Kulturstiftung invites applications for its 2027/2028 travel and residency grant programme for visual artists. The programme offers grants for freely chosen travel destinations, fully funded studio residencies in international cities, or combined residency-and-travel grants to support artists' professional development and international exposure.

Award Structure

A total of 14 grants will be distributed across 2027 and 2028: 5 travel grants (€25,000 each), 7 residency grants, and 2 combined residency-and-travel grants. Recipients also receive additional production/presentation funding of up to €7,700, usable for up to three years after the grant period ends.

Residency & Travel Options 2027

• 1 residency in New York City (€25,000, up to 12 months)
• 1 residency in Paris at Cité internationale des arts (€25,000, up to 12 months)
• 2 residencies in Istanbul (€12,500 each, 6 months)
• 1 combined residency and travel grant: Goethe-Institut Villa Kamogawa in Kyoto (3 months) plus individual travel/work phase in Japan (3 months), totaling €15,000
• 5 travel grants of €25,000 each for destinations of recipient's choice (3–12 months duration)

Residency & Travel Options 2028

• 1 residency in New York City (€25,000, up to 12 months)
• 1 residency in Paris (€25,000, up to 12 months)
• 1 residency in London (€25,000, up to 12 months)
• 1 combined residency and travel grant: Kyoto residency (3 months) plus travel/work phase in Japan (3 months), totaling €15,000

Eligibility

Open to visual artists who were born in Hesse, have had their primary residence in Hesse since no later than 1 January 2025, or have completed a degree at an art academy or comparable study/training in Hesse. Artist duos may submit a joint application. No age limit applies.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Applicants who have previously been awarded a Hessische Kulturstiftung travel or residency grant (other State of Hesse grants are permitted)
• Applicants still pursuing degree or vocational training at time of application
• Applicants related to a jury member, employed by Hessische Kulturstiftung, or related to a Hessische Kulturstiftung employee

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
• Funding Decisions Made: November 2026
• Funding Decisions Officially Announced: December 2026 (all applicants informed in writing)

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online. Selection is a two-stage process: five jurors (experts from across Germany in art and culture) create a shortlist in the first round; in the second round, 14 recipients are chosen from the shortlist by random selection. All applications are checked for funding prerequisites before consideration. The foundation will contact applicants directly if questions arise about their application and asks applicants to refrain from inquiring about application status. There is no legal entitlement to receive a grant. Application is free.