Information events will take place online on 26 September 2024, 5.00 to 6.30 pm, and 24 October 2024, 7.30 to 8.00 pm. Registration by e-mail to simone.schiffer@lwl.org.
Key Facts at a Glance
Five ten-month work grants of 10,000 euros each will be awarded for the period from March to December 2025. The fellowship period will be accompanied by an introductory week, a public artist talk at the beginning, exchange formats with each other and with actors from the independent scene in the region, public final presentations of the work stands and, if necessary, other events.
There is no obligation to present a "finished project", as this is a working grant. However, it is essential to provide the public with insights into the work process and current status through various formats.
Prerequisites
In general, only professional artists who live and work in Westphalia-Lippe are eligible to apply. Students are excluded. The professionalism of one's own work can be proven with at least one of the following references, based on the guidelines of the Deutscher Kulturrat (German Cultural Council). Proof will be requested on a random basis.
- Relevant professional or university education in the artistic or creative field
- Membership of the artists' social security fund
- Document from the tax office with tax number
- Membership of a relevant trade or professional association or trade union
- Management contract with a collecting society/membership of a collecting society
- Placement via an agency
- Proven corresponding work experience
Applications from collectives that share the grant are generally possible.
Please note the additional requirements for the four profiles:
Profile: Emerging Artists
For artists who have been working professionally for a maximum of three years (after completing their training or studies, if applicable).
Profile: Senior Professional
For artists with at least ten years of artistic activity (after completing their training or studies, if available).
Profile: Dramaturgy / Curation / Artistic Production
For dramaturges, curators and artistic producers who can provide evidence of at least three professional productions, exhibitions or projects.
Profile: Network in Rural Areas
For professional artists who live and work in rural areas (see overview of rural areas in Westphalia-Lippe, in German language only) and who would like to establish or strengthen local networks and launch initiatives.
Application Process
Application deadline is November 3.
Please use only the following templates for your application and send the complete documents as one PDF file (max. 20 MB) by e-mail to Simone Schiffer, consultant for the independent scene: simone.schiffer@lwl.org.
Note: Please only apply for one profile, not several.
Application forms
- Emerging Artists: German / English
- Senior Professional: German / English
- Dramaturgy, Curation, Artistic Production: German / English
- Network in Rural Areas: German / English
Work samples
Please note the binding requirements in the respective application form.
Information events
The scholarship programme will be briefly presented and questions answered at two online information events. Please register by sending an e-mail to simone.schiffer@lwl.org. You will receive a link to the online event with your confirmation.
- Thursday, September 26, 5.00 to 6.30 pm, online
- Thursday, October 24, 7.30 to 8.00 pm, online
Selection Process and Criteria
Fellows are selected by a jury of experts according to the following criteria:
- Convincing concept sketch (artistic content, aesthetics)
- Relation to and relevance for Westphalia-Lippe (themes, techniques, traditions, regional characteristics; enrichment of the cultural programme, cooperation partners if applicable)
- Artistic profile
Specific criteria for the profiles:
- Emerging artists: Relevance for own artistic development / establishment
- Senior professionals: Relevance for their own artistic development, possibly reorientation (new techniques, formats, profession, etc.)
- Dramaturgy / curation / artistic production: Relevance for further development / further networking / conceptualisation in the respective field
- Network in rural areas: Relevance for the development of a professional artistic network on site (consideration of local specifics, contact with cooperation partners)
Counselling and Contact
Simone Schiffer
0251 591-7511
Svenja Boer
0251 591-4086
Dr. Friederike Maßling
Head of the Department of Cultural Promotion and Cultural Partnerships, Managing Director of the LWL Cultural Foundation
0251 591-3856
1250 Years of Westphalia
The "LWL Cultural Fellowships 2025" are funded by the LWL Cultural Foundation as part of the cultural program for the anniversary year "1250 Years of Westphalia". The patron of the cultural programme is Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.