Werkproben

Werkproben is a funding programme for literature in North Rhine-Westphalia.

As part of ‘Werkproben’ (Work Samples), a wide audience has the opportunity to experience selected authors in the fields of children's and young adult literature, prose, poetry and ‘literature plus’ live in readings and workshops.

The authors of ‘Werkproben’ 2026-2027: Simak Büchel, Jasmin Schaudinn, Gamze Kubaşık for children's and young adult literature. Poetry is represented by Dominik Dombrowski and Miedya Mahmod. Denis Pfabe and Lena Schätte represent the prose segment. In the ‘Literature Plus’ section, which combines literature and performance, Simone Scharbert and Jule Weber will present their work.

Funding is available for literary events (readings, literary events, workshops) with one or more authors from the 2026-2027 ‘Werkproben’ programme in a member city of the NRWKS and in institutions of the Landschaftsverband Rheinland.

Organisers in municipal and independent institutions (schools, libraries, associations, initiatives, other cultural and educational institutions) and bookshops, as well as institutions of the Rhineland Regional Council, are eligible to apply for funding throughout the year.

The 2026-2027 ‘Werkproben’ programme is being held in cooperation with the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh. The authors were nominated and selected by experts from the Literaturbüro NRW, the Literaturbüro OWL, the Literaturbüro Ruhr, the Literaturhaus Bonn and Burg Hülshoﬀ – Center for Literature.

Information on funding

What is funded under the programme?

Literary events (readings, literary events, workshops, discussions) with one or more authors from the current Werkproben programme

Who can apply?

Is there a deadline for applications?

No application deadlines

Applications accepted year-round, as long as funding is available

Applications should be submitted six weeks before the planned start of the project, if possible

What is the funding amount?

Reading: per author: EUR 600 (plus VAT and travel expenses). The grant amount is EUR 400.

Reading by two authors: EUR 1,200 (plus VAT and travel expenses for two people). The grant amount is EUR 800.

Double reading on the same day: EUR 750 per author (plus VAT and travel expenses). The grant amount is EUR 500.

Double reading by author duo on the same day: EUR 1,500 (plus VAT and travel expenses for two people). The grant amount is EUR 1,000.

Workshop (half day): fee of EUR 350 (plus VAT and travel expenses). The grant amount is EUR 200.

Workshop (full day): fee of EUR 600 (plus VAT and travel expenses). The grant amount is EUR 400.

Reading and workshop on the same day: EUR 750 per author (plus VAT and travel expenses). The grant amount is EUR 500.

As funding is limited, it is advisable to apply in good time or, in the case of bookings at short notice, to consult in advance before making an appointment.

How does catalogue funding work?

Please note the age recommendations for the authors on the information pages.

As the organiser, first contact the author or author duo and arrange a date for your event.

Then submit an application via the NRWKS funding portal for the reading and/or workshop.

Since the funding is a financial contribution to the artist's fees, it is sufficient to list only the costs for fees and, if applicable, press and public relations work in the cost and financing plan.

You can only conclude contracts with the author or author duo once you have received written confirmation of funding.

Which funding conditions must be met?

Content related to the ‘Werkproben’ funding programme

Location in one of the member cities of the NRWKS or institutions of the Landschaftsverband Rheinland

Public accessibility (exception: internal school events)

No project start (i.e. public relations work, conclusion of contracts, awarding of contracts, payments) before submitting an application on the NRWKS funding portal

No funding for parties or organisations with a profit motive

How do I apply for funding?

Applications may be submitted exclusively via NRWKS funding portal.

Click here for further information on the funding procedure.

Organisers from the member cities of the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh should contact Ms Christiane Venne-Pollmeier, T +49 (0) 5241 161 91, christiane.venne-pollmeier(at)guetersloh.de

Notes for authors

How does admission to the funding programme take place?

It is not possible for authors to apply for admission to the Werkproben programme.

The selection is made by a jury of experts.