The Martin Roth-Initiative supports cultural and civil society institutions so that they can temporarily host at-risk artists and cultural actors, provide them with scholarships, and thus ensure the continuation of their work in a safer context. Moreover, the Martin Roth-Initiative offers other funding opportunities for artists and cultural workers, including direct funding that allows them to receive support without host organisations. 

With this support from the Martin Roth-Initiative, cultural institutions (host organisations) in Germany are empowered to temporarily host at-risk artists and cultural actors, enabling them to continue their work in a safe context.  

Call for applications

Funding in the regions of origin provided by the Martin Roth-Initiative offers temporary relocation stays for at-risk artists and cultural actors in their region of origin, either with the support of host organisations or through direct funding. 

Relocation stays with host organisations 

With this funding from the Martin Roth-Initiative, cultural and civil society institutions (host organisations) are enabled to temporarily host at-risk artists and cultural actors in their region of origin (e.g. in a neighbouring country), provide them with scholarships, and enable them to continue their work. 

Information on the current call for applications

Direct funding without a host organisation

Since 2023, the Martin Roth-Initiative has provided a limited quota of direct funding for artists and cultural actors in emergency situations. The scholarship holders are thus enabled to travel independently to a place they consider safer. This support includes a one-time scholarship payment and is usually intended for a duration of three months. Due to the very limited quota, applications without invitation are unfortunately not possible. 

Funding of partner organisations 

With this funding, the Martin Roth-Initiative enables selected partner organisations outside of Germany to host several artists and cultural actors within their region of origin. In addition to the implementation of necessary temporary relocation for groups, the partner organisations are strengthened in their capacities. Due to the very limited contingent, it is unfortunately not possible to apply without a request.

The Martin Roth-Initiative starts a new project which aims to empower women artists in Ukraine. Through a residency with online workshops, discussions and expert meetings, an offline meet up in Germany, and a joint publication, the project promotes collaboration, intellectual search and dialogue, feminist discourse and artistic exploration.  

More Information

We strongly recommend reading information on secure communication before contacting us (these are recommendations for improving digital protection, absolute security cannot be guaranteed). 

Generally, we recommend using encrypted communication services, such as Protonmail, a free, encrypted email service. You can register at www.protonmail.com and contact us via info [at] mri-application [dot] de. Please check in advance, whether using this service in your country of origin or residence could lead to problems. Inquire locally and/or research online, for example at Privacy International.  

Note: Unencrypted emails or phone calls are not secure and should not contain sensitive information. Additionally, you can reach us in the following way: 

• Email: info [at] martin-roth-initiative [dot] de  
• Phone: +49 (0)30 28449177