of the International Elias Canetti Society
Funded by the Danube Rectors’ Conference
The Sharing Future Artist-in-Residence Scholarship 2025, organized by the International Elias Canetti Society and funded by the Danube Rectors’ Conference, is now open for applications. This scholarship is designed for artists of all disciplines who are based in Europe, with a strong focus on fostering cultural and artistic exchange. By bridging the local and transnational artistic scenes, the residency provides a space for meaningful intercultural dialogue, enabling artists to engage with new perspectives and communities.
Each year, the scholarship focuses on a specific artistic field, and in 2025, the theme is literature.
We particularly encourage applications from writers, playwrights, poets, translators, and other literary professionals whose work explores new narratives, transnational storytelling, and the intersection of literature with other artistic forms.
The scholarship’s slogan, “Sharing Future” emphasizes collaborative creation and cooperation toward a united Europe and a shared future.
The funding period of the scholarship is one month, with the residency taking place in the lead-up to and during the International Literature Festival in Ruse. To ensure the artist has sufficient time to develop their work undisturbed at the Canetti House, the residency is expected to begin in early September 2025 and continue through the festival, which runs from October 5th to 12th. The selected artist will be encouraged to participate in the festival by presenting their work in a suitable format.
Additional support, such as materials or logistical help, may be available upon request. Details will be discussed individually with the selected artist. The format—such as a reading, discussion, exhibition, or another suitable presentation—will be determined in collaboration with the festival organizers.
The selected artist will have the opportunity to:
- Pursue their artistic work undisturbed in the autumn of 2025 in Ruse
- Use the historic Canetti House as a workplace with various possibilities for artistic expression using the space (link)
- Get to know the local cultural scene in Ruse and Bulgaria and use the resulting synergies for artistic realization
- Live in an apartment provided by the IECS
- The scholarship provides a fixed amount of 1500 €, which covers both artistic work (1200 €) and travel expenses (300 €). No additional funding will be provided, and all project-related costs must be covered within this amount.
Application documents to be submitted:
- Artist curriculum vitae
- Significant illustrations of artistic works in personal catalogs or a portfolio
- A concrete plan for the realization of the planned project idea. The plan should outline the core concept, artistic approach, and expected outcomes. The project does not need to be finalized before the residency, but the application must present a well-developed vision and direction.
The application with all documents should be sent to eliascanetti@eliascanetti.org no later than June 30, 2025.
All documents and/or attachments must be sent in PDF format. Applications not conforming to the aforementioned requirements will not be reviewed by the committee.
The decision on the holder of the scholarship is made by a three-member Board of Trustees of the Elias Canetti Society and the Danube Rectors’ Conference. The exact composition of the Board of Trustees will be announced on our website.
By submitting an application, the authors agree to the terms of the scholarship announcement.
This year’s scholarship holder will be announced at the end of July 2025 (earliest, depending on the number of applications to be reviewed). The legal recourse is excluded.
Please note that only one artist will be selected for the residency.
About the Elias Canetti Society
The International Elias Canetti Society was founded in 1992 in Ruse, Bulgaria, the birthplace of Elias Canetti. The central goals of the Society include researching Canetti’s work, promoting the European integration process, and participating in the rebuilding of civil societal structures in post-communist Bulgaria.
The Society’s work focuses on four main fields: cultural mediation, cultural dialogue, civic education, and academia. Particular emphasis is placed on cooperation between the countries of the Danube cultural region. The cultural events we organize range from the annual Literature Festival Ruse to youth events, exhibitions, and international conferences.
📍 More Information:
🔗 Elias Canetti Society
🔗 About Ruse, Bulgaria
