Heidelberg UNESCO City of Literature Writer in Residence 2026

Applications are now open for the Heidelberg UNESCO City of Literature Writer in Residence Program 2026, a prestigious 3-month residency from April 13 to July 13, 2026, for writers and artists. Hosted at the historic Commandant’s House Dilsberg in Neckargemünd, near Heidelberg, this program supports literary and interdisciplinary creativity. Writers from UNESCO Cities of Literature and their co-grantees (artists in fields like music, visual arts, or film) can apply by September 17, 2025. The residency offers financial support, including subsistence and travel allowances, with no application fee required. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here. 

Key Details

• Program: Heidelberg UNESCO City of Literature Writer in Residence 2026
• Duration: April 13 – July 13, 2026 (3 months, residence required)
• Location: Commandant’s House Dilsberg, Neckargemünd (14 km from Heidelberg)
• Funding: Funded, up to €3,750 per person
  • Subsistence allowance: €1,350 (€15/day)
  • Monthly allowance: €750
  • Travel allowance: Up to €1,000 (economy-class flights)
  • Public transport ticket: Free for Rhine-Neckar network (VRN)
• Application Deadline: September 17, 2025
• Application Fee: None

About the Program

The residency, awarded by the Kulturstiftung Rhein-Neckar-Kreis e.V. in collaboration with Heidelberg UNESCO City of Literature, takes place in the Commandant’s House Dilsberg, a 17th-century building renovated as a hub for art and culture. It hosts exhibitions, concerts, readings, and symposia, offering a vibrant creative atmosphere.

• Candidates have the possibility to apply as team of two artists (grant holder and co-fellow) as 2 sleeping rooms are available (individual application is necessary).
• The co-recipient should also have his/her own artistic expertise, which has not necessarily to be in the literary field (could be translation for instance, but also such as music, visual arts, performing arts, film, etc.).
• Both artistic personalities have to demonstrate an artistic or interdisciplinary cooperation and should be personally well acquainted to each other. While the grant holder has to, it is not essential that the co-grantee is coming from a UNESCO City of Literature.
• The co-grantee will be provided with the same financial resources as the grant holder.
• The artists in residence share a kitchenette and a bathroom in the fully furnished apartment.
• The apartment is unfortunately not accessible for disabled persons.

Best opportunity: Switzerland TaDA Residence Program 2026

Benefits

• Total Value: Up to €3,750 per person
  • Subsistence: €1,350 (€15/day)
  • Pocket Money: €750/month
• Additional Benefits:
  • Travel: Up to €1,000 for international economy-class flights
  • Transport: Free Rhine-Neckar public transport ticket for the stay

Application Requirements

• Main Grant Holder:
  • Residency in a UNESCO City of Literature
  • At least one published book (prose, essay, poetry, etc.)
  • Good to very good German and/or English skills
  • Willingness to engage in local literary events
• Co-Grantee:
  • Artistic expertise (e.g., literature, music, visual arts, film)
  • Collaborative project with the main grant holder

For Exchange programs, click here!
For fully funded conferences visit here!

How to Apply

1. Complete the application form(s):
   • Grant Holder Form (358 KB)
   • Co-Grantee Form (232 KB)
2. Optional: Include a book excerpt (1,500–3,000 words, German/English) or letter of recommendation
3. Email applications to [email protected] by September 17, 2025

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the Heidelberg UNESCO City of Literature office and the Board of Trustees of the Rhein-Neckar-Kreis Cultural Foundation.