The Schloss Solitude Academy Fellowship is one of the most prominent cultural and artistic programs in Europe, awarded by the Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart to artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners from around the world. The fellowship aims to support independent creative work, promote cultural exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration, and provide an inspiring environment rich in artistic and intellectual experiences.
About the Program
The Academy awards between 50 and 60 residency fellowships every two years, covering a wide range of fields such as visual arts, writing, music, design, architecture, literature, the humanities, and digital technologies.
The fellowship seeks to provide a space for focused work, cross-cultural exchange, and professional networking at both local and international levels. Participants may also organize their own events or collaborate with other cultural institutions in Stuttgart and the surrounding region.
Fields of Practice
Applications are open for six main spheres known as “Spheres of Practice”:
- Visual Arts (VISUAL) – Painting, photography, sculpture, video, film, and performance art.
- Music & Performing Arts (AURAL & PHYSICAL) – Music, composition, sound art, theater, dance, choreography, and directing.
- Architecture & Design (SPATIAL) – Architecture, urban planning, fashion design, scenography, and product design.
- Literature & Language (TEXTUAL) – German-language or international literature, including poetry, prose, translation, and playwriting.
- Digital Arts (DIGITAL) – Art based on digital media, programming, virtual reality, and open-source or post-digital culture.
- Humanities & Applied Sciences (SCIENTIFIC) – Including philosophy, sociology, media studies, political science, economics, and life sciences.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to artists, researchers, and cultural practitioners from all over the world who have independent professional experience of two to ten years after completing their academic or artistic education. Applicants should be in an active phase of professional growth — not at the very beginning of their career, but not yet fully established.
Candidates with longer careers may also apply, provided they clearly explain the relevance of the fellowship to their current stage of development.
Individual applicants and collectives (up to two people) are eligible to apply, provided they have been working together artistically for at least two years.
Applications are not accepted from:
- Individuals currently enrolled in degree programs (except PhD candidates).
- Applicants holding permanent academic positions (such as full professorships).
Proficiency in English or German is required.
Funding Provided
The fellowship includes a 6- or 9-month residency at the Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart for individuals, or 6 months for collectives.
It offers full financial coverage, including:
- A monthly stipend of €1,300 to cover living expenses.
- Free accommodation in a furnished live/work studio within the academy, including workspace, kitchen, and private bathroom.
- Round-trip travel reimbursement.
- Health insurance coverage for non-EU residents.
- Project funding, depending on budget availability.
- Access to workshops, libraries, and laboratories within the academy.
- Support for local and regional networking and participation in the Academy’s events.
Fellows’ Commitments
- Full-time residence in Stuttgart during the entire fellowship period.
- Active participation in the Academy’s events and programs.
- Openness to dialogue and exchange across different cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
- Willingness to collaborate with local cultural institutions in the region.
Application Process
The application process consists of three main stages:
- Stage One: Submission of a short initial online application that includes basic information, motivation, and sphere of practice.
- In cases where the number of applications is very high, an anonymous random selection supervised by a notary will be conducted to ensure fairness.
- In cases where the number of applications is very high, an anonymous random selection supervised by a notary will be conducted to ensure fairness.
- Stage Two: Submission of the full application, including a detailed project proposal, CV, and work samples.
- Stage Three: Independent jury selection, based on the quality, relevance, and originality of the applicant’s project and portfolio.
Selection Criteria
The jury focuses on:
- The artistic or research depth of the proposed project.
- Originality and contemporary relevance.
- The applicant’s readiness for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- The appropriateness of the fellowship to the applicant’s current professional stage.
Accommodation
Fellows are housed in one of 41 live/work studios within the Academy’s building, located next to the historic Schloss Solitude Palace.
Each unit includes a living and working area, a small kitchen, and a private bathroom.
Application Deadline
The first stage of the call for applications for the Solitude Fellowship 2026–2028 is now open and will remain so until November 14, 2025, at 6 PM (CET).
