Organizer Information
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) is Germany’s leading institution for international cultural exchange. Founded in 1917, ifa operates globally to promote peaceful dialogue between cultures through exhibitions, research programs, and cultural diplomacy initiatives. The organization plays a crucial role in strengthening civil societies, fostering freedom of expression, and supporting intercultural collaboration.
This scholarship is funded by the Alexander Rave Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting international cultural practitioners. The foundation focuses on enabling knowledge exchange and professional development, particularly for individuals working with cultural heritage, archives, and museum practices. Through this initiative, ifa reinforces its commitment to transnational cooperation and sustainable cultural networks.
Title & Description
IFA Scholarship – Cultural Heritage & Museum Transformation (2027)
The IFA Scholarship on the Management of Cultural Heritage and the Transformation of Museums and Exhibition Centres (2027) is a fully funded international opportunity designed for cultural practitioners from DAC-listed countries.
The program supports professionals working in museums, archives, and cultural institutions to undertake a 3 to 6-month residency in Germany, collaborating with a host institution on a research-driven project. The scholarship emphasises transcultural dialogue, focusing on how museums and exhibition spaces are evolving in response to contemporary global challenges.
Participants will engage in projects related to the transformation of cultural institutions, aligned with the updated ICOM definition of museums (2023). Key thematic areas include cultural participation, sustainability, inclusive and non-discriminatory spaces, and decolonial methodologies in curatorial and institutional practices.
The residency is designed not only as a research opportunity but also as a platform for building long-term international collaborations. In some cases, participants may also engage in an optional reciprocal stay, fostering deeper exchange between Germany and DAC-listed countries.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Cultural Heritage
- Museum Studies
- Research-Based Practice
- Visual Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- Open to applicants from countries listed on the DAC list
- Cultural professionals, including:
- Curators
- Restorers
- Cultural mediators
- Culture managers
- Applicants must:
- Have completed higher education or vocational training
- Work with collections, archives, or cultural heritage
- Secure a non-commercial host institution in Germany
- Submit a jointly developed project proposal
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency
- Priority and encouragement for applications from:
- Women
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- People with disabilities
- Black people and people of colour
- Individuals from historically marginalised or colonised contexts
Program Benefits & Awards
- Monthly stipend: €1,500 (net)
- Family allowance: €250/month per dependent
- Travel costs: Covered (round-trip)
- Visa costs: Covered
- Health insurance: Included
- Public transport pass: Monthly local travel support
- Language course support: Up to €500
- Opportunity for international collaboration and networking
- Access to institutional resources and collections in Germany
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Project proposal (developed jointly with host institution)
- Proof of collaboration with a host institution
- Academic or professional certificates
- Portfolio or documentation of relevant work
- Proof of language proficiency
- Personal information and supporting documents
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Notification of Results: September 2026 (via email)
- Earliest Start Date: 1 February 2027
- Residency Period: Between February and December 2027
- Duration: 3 to 6 months (Germany stay)
Location
Germany
Additional Details
- Maximum of 10 scholarships awarded annually
- Projects must be tied to a collection or institutional transformation process
- Host institutions must be non-profit and have a physical archive or collection
- The scholarship requires on-site participation
- A final report must be submitted at the end of the program
- Parallel funding or residencies during the scholarship period are not permitted
This program is particularly valuable for practitioners seeking to engage critically with the evolving role of museums and cultural institutions in a globalised, post-colonial context. It offers both financial support and intellectual infrastructure for impactful, research-driven work.