Organizer Information

Künstlerdorf Schöppingen is an internationally recognized artist residency program located in Schöppingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in 1989, the Künstlerdorf (Artist Village) was established as a place dedicated to supporting professional artists through long-term residencies, providing them with the time, space, and resources needed to develop independent artistic projects.

The residency program is known for fostering interdisciplinary exchange between artists, writers, and composers from around the world. Over the years, Künstlerdorf Schöppingen has hosted numerous international fellows working across visual arts, literature, and music, creating an environment where different artistic disciplines can interact and inspire one another.

Rather than functioning as a production-oriented residency, Künstlerdorf focuses on artistic research, experimentation, and creative development. Fellows are provided with accommodation, working spaces, and financial support to allow them to concentrate on their practices without the obligation of producing a specific final outcome. The program values dialogue, collaboration, and participation within the residency community, encouraging artists to exchange ideas and contribute voluntarily through talks, workshops, readings, presentations, and other public activities.

The selection process is conducted by independent expert juries, who evaluate applicants based on the quality of their previous artistic work, the relevance and feasibility of their proposed project within the context of Schöppingen, and their potential contribution to the residency community. The program welcomes artists at different stages of their professional careers and supports artistic diversity through an open international application process.

Title & Description

Künstlerdorf Schöppingen Residency Fellowship 2027

Künstlerdorf Schöppingen Residency Fellowship 2027 offers professional visual artists, authors, and composers the opportunity to live and work in an international artist residency environment in Germany. The fellowship provides dedicated time, financial support, studio infrastructure, and opportunities for exchange with other creative practitioners.

The residency is designed for artists who wish to develop artistic research, explore new ideas, continue ongoing projects, or engage in focused creative work within a supportive community. Fellows can stay at Künstlerdorf Schöppingen for a period of two to six months, depending on availability and mutual agreement.

The program does not require participants to complete a specific production or present a final artwork. Instead, it emphasizes artistic process, experimentation, and independent development. Residents are encouraged to participate in the cultural life of the Künstlerdorf by contributing to community activities such as lectures, readings, workshops, discussions, or presentations.

The fellowship aims to create an environment where artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds can exchange knowledge, build connections, and develop their practices.

Categories

  • Visual Art
  • Literature / Writing
  • Music / Composition
  • Interdisciplinary Artistic Practices

Eligibility

The open call is open to:

  • Professional visual artists, authors, and composers
  • Artists of all nationalities
  • Applicants of all ages
  • Individual artists
  • Artistic collectives (accepted since 2023)

Additional eligibility considerations:

  • Applicants should demonstrate a professional artistic practice and a strong body of previous work.
  • Artists must be willing to reside and work at Künstlerdorf Schöppingen during the fellowship period.
  • Applicants should be open to artistic exchange, community interaction, and participation in residency activities.

Accommodation support for partners, family members, or assistants may be possible depending on agreement and availability.

Artists with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities are encouraged to contact the organizers before applying to discuss accessibility requirements and possible support.

Program Benefits & Awards

Selected fellows receive:

  • Monthly stipend:
    • Individual artists: €1,500 per month
    • Collectives: €1,000 per person per month, with a maximum total stipend of €3,000 per month
  • Accommodation:
    Artists receive residency accommodation in Künstlerdorf Schöppingen. Rent and operational costs are deducted from the stipend (approximately €100–200 per month).
  • Residency period:
    A stay of between two and six months, according to agreement and availability.
  • Work facilities:
    Access to the premises, studios, and infrastructure of Künstlerdorf Schöppingen.
  • Creative freedom:
    No obligation to create a final production or present completed work at the end of the residency.
  • Presentation opportunities:
    Fellows may use exhibition and presentation facilities if appropriate.
  • Community exchange:
    Opportunities to connect with international artists and participate in events such as:
    • Lectures
    • Readings
    • Workshops
    • Public discussions
    • Artistic presentations

Travel, insurance, and material costs are generally not covered. Exceptional financial support may be considered in cases of approved scholarships and demonstrated need.

Application Fee

None

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
  • Residency Year: 2027
  • Residency Duration: Between 2 and 6 months (scheduled according to availability and agreement)

Location

Schöppingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Additional Details

  • The fellowship is intended for professional artists rather than students or hobby practitioners.
  • The residency prioritizes artistic quality, project relevance, and meaningful participation in the residency community.
  • The selection jury evaluates applications based on:
    • Quality of previous artistic work
    • Quality and feasibility of the proposed project in relation to Schöppingen
    • Potential contribution to interaction and community building among fellows

Artists are encouraged to consider how their practice can engage with an international residency environment and contribute to shared creative exchange.

Website Link: https://www.stiftung-kuenstlerdorf.de/en/application_process