The application portal for the 18th round of travel and residency grants awarded by the Hessian Cultural Foundation has been open since August 1, 2026. Application materials must be submitted via this portal by October 15, 2026.Who is eligible to apply
Visual artists are eligible to apply for age-independent grants:
a) who were born in Hesse OR
b) who have been living in Hesse (primary residence) OR
c) who have completed a degree at an art academy or in comparable degree programs in Hesse.
There is no age limit.
Applications from artist duos are accepted.
Applications will not be accepted if
a) the applicant has previously been awarded a scholarship from the Hessian Cultural Foundation (this does not apply to the state’s work, project, and bridge scholarships).
b) the applicant is currently pursuing a degree or vocational training program that has not yet been completed at the time of application.
Here you will find our funding guidelines.Details and Figures on the 2027/2028 Travel and Residency Grants:For the years 2027 and 2028, the Foundation is awarding a total of 5 open travel grants (minimum 3 to maximum 12 months) and 7 residency grants (New York City, London, Paris, and Istanbul), as well as—for the first time— 2 combined residency and travel grants (Kyoto):
2027/2028:
5 travel grants (25,000 euros each)
2027:
- 2 Residency Grants in Istanbul (12,500 euros each)
- 1 x Residency Grant in New York City (25,000 euros each)
- 1 x Residency Grant in Paris (25,000 euros each)
- 1 Kyoto residency followed by a travel and work period (15,000 euros each)
2028:
- 1 x London Residency Grant (25,000 euros each)
- 1 x Residency Grant in New York City (25,000 euros each)
- 1 x Residency Grant in Paris (25,000 euros each)
- 1 Kyoto residency followed by a travel and work period (15,000 euros each)
An additional amount of up to 7,700 euros is provided for the production of new works resulting from the fellowship or for their presentation in exhibitions or publications. This grant may be used for up to three years after the fellowship ends.
Applications involving children and, if applicable, an accompanying caregiver; a personal caregiver in medical cases (proof required); or artist duos are also accepted. Any accompanying travelers must be listed at the time of application. In this case, the total amount may be increased to 31,000 euros (15,500 euros for the Istanbul residency grant and 19,000 euros for the Kyoto residency grant, followed by a travel phase).
Accompanying persons, such as a partner or spouse, may also travel with the applicant and must be registered as part of the residency fellowship. Additional funding is not available in these cases.Required application documents
- Information about the applicant or, in the case of artist duos, only the applicant (name, address, contact information)
- Information on the artist’s career or, in the case of artist duos, on their artistic collaboration (brief résumé, solo and group exhibitions, awards and grants received)
- Project Proposal/Project Outline (maximum 6,000 characters, 3 pages)
- Digital images / videos (maximum 10 MB)
- Information about two contacts from your professional network who can provide information if there are any questions regarding your artistic development
- Required documents: Proof of identity (ID card or passport) AND proof of meeting one of the three application requirements
- Other attachments: portfolio, certificates, publications, etc. (maximum 10 MB per PDF file)
Application deadline: October 15, 2026