International Elias Canetti Society
Funded by the Danube Rectors’ Conference

The Canetti Artist Scholarship is aimed at artists from all over Europe. By also addressing artists from neighboring countries—particularly from the Western Balkans and Turkey—it seeks to foster international artistic exchange.

The scholarship supports a wide range of artistic disciplines. Applications are welcome from painters, photographers, writers, performance artists, translators, and musicians.

The guiding motto of the scholarship, “Sharing Future,” emphasizes collaboration, co-creation, and the development of a shared European future.

Funding Period

The duration of the scholarship is one month (autumn 2026).

What the Scholarship Offers

The scholarship holder will have the opportunity to:

  • pursue their artistic work in an undisturbed environment in Ruse
  • use the historic Canetti House as a workspace, offering diverse possibilities for artistic expression
  • engage with the local cultural scene in Ruse and Bulgaria, benefiting from potential collaborations and synergies
  • reside in an apartment provided by the International Elias Canetti Society
  • receive financial support of either:
    • €1200 stipend + €300 travel expenses, or
    • €1500 total (combined support)

Additional support (materials, organizational assistance, etc.) may be provided on an individual basis.

Application Requirements

Applicants are requested to submit:

  • a curriculum vitae (CV)
  • a portfolio or relevant documentation of artistic work
  • a brief outline of the proposed project

All application materials should be sent via email to:
eliascanetti@eliascanetti.org

Deadline: 31 July 2026

Selection and Outcome

The selection of the scholarship recipient will be made by a three-member Board of Trustees representing the International Elias Canetti Society and the Danube Rectors’ Conference.

The selected artist’s project (e.g., exhibition, music album, video, etc.) will be presented during the International Literature Festival in Ruse.

The scholarship holder will be announced at the end of July 2026.

By submitting an application, applicants agree to the terms and conditions of this call. Legal recourse is excluded.

About the International Elias Canetti Society

The International Elias Canetti Society, founded in 1992 in Ruse (Bulgaria)—the birthplace of Elias Canetti—is dedicated to:

  • researching and promoting Canetti’s work
  • supporting European integration
  • contributing to the development of civil society in post-communist Bulgaria

Its activities focus on four main areas: cultural mediation, intercultural dialogue, civic education, and academic research. A special emphasis is placed on cooperation within the Danube region.

The Society organizes a wide range of cultural events, including the annual Literature Festival Ruse, youth initiatives, exhibitions, and international conferences.

More information:
http://eliascanetti.org/en/home/

About the City of Ruse

Ruse is a culturally rich city located on the Danube River, known for its historical heritage and vibrant cultural life.

More information:
http://bulgariatravel.org/en/object/88/Ruse