Goethe Fellowship Scholarship at the Documenta Archive
Fellowship program in cooperation with the documenta archive for the study of art-historical and contemporary historical contexts of documenta in Kassel. Six-month scholarship of €2,000 per month. Applications possible from 08.01.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The fellowship program enables international early-career researchers, practicing artists, and curators to investigate the art-historical and contemporary historical, interdisciplinary, and international contexts of the documenta exhibition and to gain new insights into art production and the resulting networks. The goal is to complement the art-historical canon, shaped by Western European and North American perspectives, with new viewpoints.
Eligible expenses
- Scholarship (€2,000 monthly)
- Support with visas, apartment search, administrative procedures, and archive research
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- International early-career researchers, practicing artists, and curators
- Residency requirement in Kassel
- Excellent knowledge of modern and contemporary art
- Experience with archival research and proven achievements in scientific, artistic, or curatorial projects
- Proven German language skills, ideally at level C1
Documents required for application
- Short biography
- Brief project summary
- Detailed abstract of the research project including timeline and proposal for the presentation of results (max. 3600 characters)
- Two-page CV including proof of German and other language skills
- 2 reference letters
Evaluation criteria
- Knowledge of modern and contemporary art
- Strong interest in the specified research areas
- Experience with archival research
- Proven achievements in previously completed scientific, artistic, or curatorial projects
- Residency requirement in Kassel
- German language skills at C1 level
Description
The six-month Goethe Fellowship at the Documenta Archive offers internationally active early-career researchers, practicing artists, and curators the opportunity to thoroughly investigate art-historical, contemporary-historical, interdisciplinary, and global contexts of the documenta exhibition in Kassel. With a monthly grant of €2,000, the program not only supports the financing of the stay but also facilitates visa matters, housing search, and administrative procedures. The aim is to enrich the traditional art-historical canon, which predominantly includes Western European and North American perspectives, with new research findings and innovative approaches, thereby expanding the understanding of art production and its networks.
Applicants must possess extensive knowledge of modern and contemporary art, solid experience in archival research, and proven success in scholarly, artistic, or curatorial projects. A six-month residency in Kassel and German language skills at the C1 level are required. Application documents include a brief biography, a concise project summary, a detailed abstract of the research proposal (max. 3,600 characters) including a timeline and presentation plan, a two-page CV with language certificates, and two letters of reference. Digital applications via the Goethe-Institut open on January 8, 2026; project start is possible from May 2026. This fellowship not only supports individual research projects but also contributes sustainably to strengthening and expanding international art and cultural studies.
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