Organizer Information
Kunstverein Hannover is one of the most established contemporary art institutions in northern Germany, founded in the 19th century and operating as a non-commercial exhibition space dedicated to supporting experimental and emerging artistic practices. Its program focuses on solo exhibitions, thematic group shows, and long-term artist development initiatives.
The Prize of the Kunstverein Hannover is a long-running residency and scholarship program supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture, the Cultural Office of the City of Hanover, and Gundlach Bau und Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG. Since 1983, it has supported more than 50 young artists by combining financial assistance with production space and institutional visibility.
Title & Description
Prize of the Kunstverein Hannover – Residency Scholarships 2027–2028
This program awards three residency-based scholarships for emerging positions in contemporary art. The initiative is designed to provide selected artists with a structured environment for focused artistic development over one or two years.
The residency combines four key resources:
- Dedicated time for artistic production
- A rent-free live/work studio environment
- Monthly financial support
- Institutional accompaniment and exhibition opportunity
Artists are hosted at Villa Minimo, a studio complex with integrated living spaces and a shared garden, enabling concentrated production and peer exchange.
At the end of the residency cycle, artists present new work in a group exhibition at the Kunstverein Hannover, along with a publication documenting the process and outcomes.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Contemporary Art
- Installation
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Media Art / Video
- Interdisciplinary / Experimental Practices
Eligibility
The program is divided into three scholarship tracks with distinct eligibility criteria:
1. Lower Saxony Scholarship (2 years | 2027–2028)
- Completed a university degree in fine arts
- Up to 35 years old at the time of application
- Residency in Lower Saxony or Bremen, or born in these regions
2. Junior Scholarship Lower Saxony (1 year | 2027)
- Art degree completed no more than 3 years prior to application
- Residency in Lower Saxony or Bremen, or born there
3. National Young Artist Scholarship (1 year | 2028)
- Art university degree completed max. 3 years prior
- Up to 35 years old
- Residence in Germany
Program Benefits & Awards
- Rent-free live/work studio at Villa Minimo
- Monthly stipend of €1,000
- Production period in a structured residency environment
- Professional curatorial and institutional support from Kunstverein Hannover
- Final exhibition at Kunstverein Hannover (2028 cycle)
- Published documentation of the exhibition and artistic work
- Increased institutional visibility and professional networking opportunities
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Portfolio of artistic work
- Documentation of previous projects (images, video links, or PDFs)
- Proof of eligibility (degree certificate, if required)
- Short artistic statement or project proposal (implied through form structure)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
- Exhibition: 2028 group exhibition at Kunstverein Hannover
- Notification Date: Not specified
Location
Hanover, Germany
Additional Details
- Selection is conducted by an independent jury including representatives from the Kunstverein, municipal cultural offices, state ministry, and external experts.
- The program emphasizes long-term artistic development rather than short-term production.
- The residency structure encourages exchange between selected artists across overlapping timelines.
- The program has historically supported artists who later developed significant international careers.