The worldwide increase in anti-Semitic thought and action is a central challenge for liberal democracy. With the Silvia Tennenbaum Scholarship, the Hertie Foundation gives authors, critics and artists who deal with the topics of anti-Semitism, remembrance culture and democracy the opportunity to pursue a new project. The fellows spend part of their time in Frankfurt and take part in internal and public events organized by the foundation.
Current Call for Applications
The Silvia Tennenbaum Scholarship is aimed at authors, critics and artists whose practice is based on writing and who deal with the topics of anti-Semitism, remembrance culture and democracy. European applications are welcome and a very good knowledge of German is required.
As part of the program, the scholarship holders implement a concrete project. This can be a publication, an exhibition or a film script. They also take part in internal and external events organized by the Hertie Foundation and participate in exchange formats with Frankfurt-based initiatives and organizations in the field.
During the six-month fellowship, the fellows spend three months in Frankfurt. The periods of the residency can be chosen flexibly.
The scholarship holders receive a monthly grant of 2,000 euros for six months and a rent subsidy of 2,500 euros for three months in Frankfurt.
The scholarship is awarded once a year.
Application Deadlines and Timetable
Please submit your application by 30 September 2025 via e-mail to the following address:
Silvia-Tennenbaum-Stipendium@ghst.de
The following documents must be submitted:
- curriculum vitae
- project outline
- publication list
The decision on the awarding of the scholarship will be made by the end of October2025.
The start date of the scholarship can be chosen flexibly between January and June 2026.
Criteria and jury
A jury from the Hertie Foundation will decide on the award, judging the entries according to the following three key criteria:
- Relevance – Is the chosen topic significant for the social debate? Does it shed light on new and relevant perspectives or aspects?
- Originality – Is the artistic approach original and creative? Does the intended form of realization fit the topic?
- Radiance – Does the planned project promise to have an impact on public perception and inspire other authors and artists?
Silvia Tennenbaum
„I want to somehow manage to be an ambassador from the old world. I want to find ways in which the history of the Jews in Germany can be preserved in its true form.“
More about the name giver
Members of the Jury
Prof. (HSG) Dr. Sascha Spoun
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Benz
Elisabeth Niejahr
Stefanie Kreyenhop
Julia Karnahl
Read more.
The Digital Holocaust Memorial (DHM) is an interactive, digital educational offering of participatory remembrance culture, which is supported by the Hertie Foundation via the Fund for Combating Anti-Semitism and Raising Awareness. Dr. Felix Klein, Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight against Anti-Semitism, recommends the DHM as an important and forward-looking contribution to the culture of remembrance.
Read more
With the “Fund for Combating Anti-Semitism and Raising Awareness”, the Hertie Foundation supports projects and initiatives that are committed to researching and combating anti-Semitism and Jewish life in Germany, in addition to its existing commitment. By supporting educational and interactive projects, we want to help educate and strengthen society and promote tolerance.