Werkproben

Funding programme for writers and literature in NRW

With the "Werkproben" (Work samples), the NRW KULTURsekretariat runs a diverse funding programme for the promotion of literature.

A new team of authors representing all traditional literary genres has been put together for 2024 and 2025. Andreas Izquierdo and Lisa Roy have been selected for the prose section, while Thorsten Krämer and Christoph Wenzel represent the poetry section. Daniela Kunkel and Petra Postert have been recruited for the children's book segment, while Kathrin Schrocke and Lucia Zamolo represent the youth book segment.

In addition, unusual formats will once again be supported and forms of presentation beyond the classic reading will be offered: Fritzi Bender, for example, has developed very lively reading show programmes with hand puppetry and picture book cinema to accompany her books. Vera Vorneweg, on the other hand, describes the public space by hand, incorporating walls, stones, cars, chairs and shutters. And Fabian Navarro presents digital poetry written by a bot in a very entertaining way.

Video clips with short presentations and readings by all participating authors offer an insight.

The programme was put together in collaboration with the NRW Literature Office, the NRW South Literature Office, the OWL Literature Office, the Ruhr Literature Office, the Westphalian Literature Office, Burg Hülshoﬀ - Center for Literature and the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of NRW.

Thanks to the fee-based funding, literature event organisers in municipal and independent sponsorship as well as schools can offer a wide audience the opportunity to experience high-ranking authors from NRW "live" in readings and writing workshops - benefiting organisers, authors and readers of all age groups equally. Applications can be submitted all year round. The funding amount per author and reading is 350 euros. The programme is run in cooperation with the Kultursekretariat NRW Gütersloh.

Special attention is traditionally paid to teaching writing skills. In addition to readings, almost all authors also offer workshops on creative writing. Both formats can be booked individually or in combination on the same day. Appointments and detailed arrangements regarding the event schedule, arrival and departure, number of participants, selection of works and workshop topics are made directly with the authors.

The programme has been put together in cooperation with the NRW Literature Office, the NRW South Literature Office, the OWL Literature Office, the Ruhr Literature Office, the Westphalian Literature Office, Burg Hülshoff - Center for Literature and the NRW Ministry of Culture.

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If you have any questions about funding, please first use the information provided below.

In addition, our administration will be happy to assist you by telephone or e-mail:

Contact:
T +49 (0) 202 698 27 250
foerderung(at)nrw-kultur.de

Notes for applicants

Here

Notes for authors

Here

Events

Authors 2024/25 (in German)

Notes for applicants

What is funded under the programme?

Funding is provided for literary events (readings, literary events, workshops, discussions) that are held in a member city of the NRWKS with one or more of the authors from the current Werkproben programme.

Who can apply?

Organisers of literary events in municipal and independent sponsorship (schools, libraries, associations, initiatives, other cultural institutions) and bookshops.

Is there a deadline for applications?

There are no application deadlines. Applications can be submitted all year round. However, if possible, these should be submitted to the NRWKS six weeks before the planned start of the project.

What is the funding amount?

Readings: per author 500 EUR (incl. VAT and all costs incurred for travel and, if applicable, accommodation). The funding amount is 350 EUR.

Double reading on the same day: per author: 600 EUR. The grant amounts to 400 EUR.

Creative Writing Workshop: per author: 500 EUR. The funding amount is 350 EUR.

Reading and workshop on the same day: per author:in 600 EUR. The funding amount is 400 EUR.

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?

The content of the project must fit into the NRWKS "Werkproben" funding programme and be located in one of the NRWKS member cities.

In addition, the project must be open to the public. Exceptions apply to internal school events.

The project must not have been started by the time the grant is confirmed. This includes public relations work, conclusion of contracts, awarding of contracts and payments.

Funding is not provided for parties and organisations that pursue a profit-making objective.

How do I apply for funding?

Applications must be submitted via the NRWKS funding portal.

An additional cost and financing plan must be uploaded to the funding portal for all projects with a total volume of more than 5,000 euros.

Please note whether further documents, e.g. letters of recommendation or letters of approval from other funding bodies, need to be uploaded to the funding portal for the application.

The application must also be sent by post.

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.