Funding & creative support6 open opportunities listed
About the foundation
The Martin Roth Initiative (MRI) was established in 2018 by the German Federal Foreign Office in memory of Martin Roth, the influential museum director and cultural diplomat who led the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Dresden State Art Collections. Rooted in Roth's conviction that cultural exchange is a cornerstone of open societies, the initiative provides temporary relocation to Germany for artists and cultural actors at risk worldwide. Its core mission is to offer a protected environment where threatened practitioners can continue their work, connect with German cultural institutions, and eventually contribute to the cultural life of their home regions or the global community. The programme is implemented by a consortium including the Goethe-Institut, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and other cultural bodies, ensuring a robust support network.
Funding opportunities
6 listed
Application guidance
Applicants should first review the specific programme line (e.g., Temporary Relocation) on the MRI website to confirm eligibility, which typically requires proof of risk and a professional artistic or cultural background. The application process is competitive and requires a clear, concise statement of need, a portfolio of work, and a feasible plan for the relocation period. It is advisable to contact the MRI team early with questions and to secure supporting documents from reputable organizations or individuals who can attest to the risk. Given the urgency of many cases, applications are assessed on a rolling basis, but thorough preparation and a well-articulated rationale for how the relocation will enable continued practice are essential.