City of Graz - Literature scholarship

Literature scholarship of the City of Graz

You will receive a one-off grant of 5,000 EUR to work on a major literary project in prose, poetry or drama. The grant will give you time to complete the work. Within one year, you must present the result at a public reading, which forms part of the fellowship. The City of Graz’s Cultural Office awards up to two of these grants each year, subject to the budget. You may receive it a maximum of three times in total.

Who can apply

• Link to Graz: You were born in Graz or have been living there permanently for at least 3 years.
• Track record: You already have at least one of these: a published book that was not self-published, three pieces in magazines or anthologies, two radio plays that were broadcast or printed, or one stage play that was performed or printed.
• Your project: You may describe a prose, poetry or theatre project that you would like to write. The jury attaches great importance to literary quality and social relevance.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome. What matters is your connection to Graz, not your passport.

How to apply

Send all your documents as a single PDF by email to the Cultural Office. The deadline is 31 March. A jury of writers and experts assesses the applications, and the city officials make the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

This award has very strict criteria. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine connection to Graz and have previously published literary works, meaning that only a few people meet the requirements. If you fulfil these conditions and can present a compelling, relevant project, your chances are quite good. As no more than two grants are awarded each year, the decision depends on the jury’s assessment of the literary quality of the work.