Chemnitz is calling: New literary scholarship for committed authors!

Chemnitz is calling: New literary scholarship for committed authors!

Anyone who thinks that Chemnitz is just an industrial city is very much mistaken! The city regularly brings a breath of fresh air into its cultural scene. The Chemnitz cultural sector has currently launched the call for applications for the third literature scholarship. This exciting program is aimed at literary producers who are prepared to engage intensively with Chemnitz and its region. The scholarship begins on April 1, 2026 and is awarded for a maximum of six months. Chemnitz.de reports that the scholarship holder receives 1,500 euros per month for his or her time in Chemnitz. A furnished apartment will also be provided for the duration of the scholarship.

Who can apply? The conditions are clear: The scholarship holder must write in German and have at least one independent publication. The application phase extends from August 1st to September 14th, 2025. In order to become part of this attractive program, some documents are required, including a text sample of a maximum of 10,000 characters, a CV and a letter of motivation. Chemnitz.de states that a description of a work project (max. 4,000 characters) must also be submitted as a PDF by email.

Insights and influence

The aim of the scholarship is to promote engagement with the history and present of the city and its region. The cultural sector not only wants to support literary talent, but also contribute to making undiscovered things visible in Europe. This is an exciting challenge that leaves room for creativity and innovation. The scholarship holder is also invited to present parts of his or her work in readings and in the cultural life of the city. A great forum to connect with the community!

The scholarship has already generated a lot of attention over the past two years. Over 40 applications were received in 2022 and 2023. The first scholarship holder, Arna Aley, worked from October 2022 to March 2023, followed by Stefan Hornbach, who held the scholarship from April to October 2024. He also made an impact with his literary work and his view of Chemnitz. The scholarship not only contributes to the individual development of the writers, but also enriches the local cultural landscape.

For all interested writers, it should be noted that the selection is made by a jury of authors and cultural actors with a connection to Chemnitz. This ensures that the scholarship not only supports emerging talent, but also that the quality and relevance of the submitted work remains high. Further information is available directly on the website: www.chemnitz.de/literaturstipendium.