The Thomas Mann House in Los Angeles sees itself as a vibrant transatlantic forum for debate, where outstanding personalities and leading thinkers, in exchange with each other and with the host country USA, address fundamental political, social and cultural issues of the present and future.

As the residence of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Thomas Mann House, with its interdisciplinary program, is committed to the spirit of Thomas Mann: During his time in the USA, the writer intensively explored the roots of fascism, democratic renewal, freedom, migration and exile in his literary work as well as in lectures and essays.

Building on this socio-political work, the Thomas Mann House, within the framework of its Fellowship Program, addresses the relevant challenges of our time by bringing together German and American interlocutors from various disciplines, intellectual and artistic traditions, and with different political views.

Thomas Mann Fellowship

Who can apply for a Thomas Mann Fellowship?

The fellowship is aimed at thought leaders, intellectuals, scientists from all disciplines, innovators, creatives, and outstanding individuals who contribute to societal debates and developments. Applicants must currently live in Germany or have had their primary residence in Germany within the last ten years. German citizenship is not required. German citizens living abroad are also eligible to apply.

Junior and Senior Fellowships:

• The Junior Fellowships are aimed at emerging talents. Applicants must already have demonstrated public visibility (e.g., in the form of publications, readings, or lectures).

• The Senior Fellowships are aimed at individuals who already have a broad public visibility and enjoy international recognition in their field (e.g. in the form of publications, awards, invitations to public presentations and corresponding media coverage).

What are the goals and expectations of the Thomas Mann Fellows?

The fellowships support the development and public presentation of a specific transatlantic project related to the theme "The Power of Narratives ." Open dialogue with a broad public is a central aim of the fellowship program. Therefore, in addition to excellent English language skills and a willingness to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, Thomas Mann Fellows are expected to actively and intensively exchange ideas with partners of the Thomas Mann House and other institutions in California and throughout the USA.

Annual theme 2027:

The Power of Narratives

From myths and memories to arts and politics – narratives play a critical role in shaping our world and its future. They drive people's identity, give meaning to experiences, inform our sense of justice, and create pathways for social change. In essence, they have the power to unite or divide communities and entire societies. How are today's cultural, social, political, and economic narratives evolving? How are they tied to the emergence of new media, rapid technological developments, and changes in our understanding of democratic institutions, civil society, and the public sphere? How can we foster a deeper understanding of how narratives shape our collective future? What are creative and relevant ways of storytelling in today's world? How can historical traditions inform and serve contemporary narratives for inclusive communities and future generations?

Application requirements and award procedure

General

• Fellowships last a minimum of three and a maximum of ten months. The final length of stay for each fellow at the Thomas Mann House is determined by Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e. V. after evaluating and coordinating all fellows' requests. Generally, stays of three to five months are granted.

• The Fellows receive support in implementing planned projects and research, in networking with partners and institutions in the USA, and in presentations such as lectures, workshops, and readings.

A fellowship at the Thomas Mann House includes:

• a monthly basic stipend of EUR 3,000 as a contribution to living expenses,

• a travel allowance of EUR 1,275 for the round trip and a monthly mobility allowance of EUR 600,

• Upon application to the local directorate: the reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs incurred for the purpose of networking with partners and institutions within the USA,

• Free accommodation at the Thomas Mann House: modernly furnished room with private bathroom and desk, shared kitchen, numerous rooms and retreats, as well as a garden area for interaction with other Fellows and guests.

• Child benefit (400 EUR per month for the first accompanying child, 100 EUR for each additional accompanying child),

• Project cost subsidies are available upon application to the local directorate.

Requirements

• Proven expertise in current issues in a field of culture, politics, economics, media, and/or science. This must be demonstrated by a letter of recommendation, which must be submitted in German or English.

• Intellectual curiosity, interest in foreign disciplines, and a willingness to engage in dialogue beyond one's own field.

• Excellent English skills that enable oral and written communication in the host country.

• Candidates must live and work in Germany at the time of nomination by the advisory board, or have had their center of life in Germany within the last ten years. German citizenship is not required. German citizens living abroad are also eligible to apply.

• Existing contacts with US partners and institutions are desirable.

• Willingness to network beyond the East and West coasts.

• Willingness to contribute to a social and productive living environment at Thomas Mann House.

Application

• Applications for a Thomas Mann Fellowship are submitted online using the application form provided.

• Applications from students are not accepted. Applications from doctoral candidates are accepted.

• Reapplying is only possible after three years. Therefore, your last application must have been made no earlier than 2023. This condition applies across the entire VATMH network, and thus also affects previous applications for Villa Aurora.

• The application form must be completed in German and English at the designated points.

• Each application must be based on at least one letter of recommendation in German or English from experts who have been publicly visible in the field of the planned project.

• A prerequisite for considering an application is that the project relates to the annual theme as well as to current transatlantic debates.

• The candidate's qualifications should be presented and justified with regard to the profile of the Thomas Mann Fellowship.

• It is also possible for a maximum of two people to apply for a Thomas Mann Fellowship (Partner Fellowship) with a joint project. In this case, each person must complete a separate application form. The letter of recommendation must include both the qualifications of the individual candidates as well as a description of the joint project.

• You or the recommending person can upload the letter of recommendation. An upload link will be provided in the confirmation email after your application is received.

Award

• The applications are checked by the VATMH association's office for completeness of the documents and the validity of the letters of recommendation.

• An interdisciplinary advisory board appointed by the board of trustees of Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e. V. reviews and evaluates the applications received and nominates the Thomas Mann Fellows.

• The fellowships are awarded by Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e. V., subject to the availability of the nominated candidates and following confirmation by the board of trustees.

• There is no legal entitlement to the award of a fellowship.

• The decision is usually communicated to the candidates by email or post, but without explanation.

• Upon acceptance, all selected candidates will receive a contract. The fellowship is only legally valid after the fellows have signed the contract.