Hesse's support for persecuted artists: Is the program threatened?

Hesse's support for persecuted artists: Is the program threatened?

The situation for persecuted artists and journalists in Hesse is heading. Hessen has been awarding scholarships to persecuted journalists, literary and artists since 2022, but now the financial support of the program is hired by the Ministry of Science and Culture. This affects the Kurdish journalist Nedim Türfent, whose scholarship expires at the end of May 2025. Türfent lives with his fiancé, Özgür Sevinç Şimşek, since June 2022 in Gießen, supported by the association "captured word".

While Türfent and Şimşek live in fear of returning to Turkey, where Türfent was in custody for almost seven years because of his reporting on human rights violations, the ministry has expressed its dissatisfaction with the scholarship program and will already stop payments at the end of August. Susann Franke, project manager of the association, is looking for alternatives to continue the program.

Financial support in the crisis

In 2023 and 2024, around 150,000 euros flowed into the scholarship program, in 2025 it was 100,000 euros. It was originally planned to record 20 scholarship holders annually, but this was considered unrealistic. The association "captured word" strives for cooperation partners to maintain support for endangered artists and journalists. Talks with the City of Gießen's cultural office are already running.

Türfent hopes for an extension of his scholarship and a secure perspective in Germany to avoid possible arrest at home. In addition to Türfent and Şimşek, the Russian writer Sergei Davydov and other scholarship holders are expected to receive another scholarship extension by the end of July. However, the uncertainty for those affected remains great.

Development of the Hessen Fund

As part of the Hessen Fund, which was launched in 2022, highly qualified scientists, artists and students who are under pressure in their country of origin due to political or religious persecution can apply for scholarships. These funding is particularly designed for two groups: on the one hand for students who can prove outstanding study achievements and on the other hand for doctoral students and scientists who have promises from Hessian universities.

The scholarships include monthly amounts that are between 300 euros and 2,300 euros depending on the type of funding. The next tender period runs from April 2025 to March 2026, with a nomination period until December 10, 2024. Applications must be made via Hessian universities to receive support from the Hessian Ministry.

This initiative could be crucial for many endangered scientists. However, the decline in agents and the uncertainty about the continuation of the current program throw a shadow on this important support. In view of the global situation, the protection and promotion of persecuted artists and journalists are more urgent than ever.

In a similar context, the Europe -wide program "Artist at Risk", which has been offering politically persecuted artists in Europe since 2013. This shows the urgent need for more such initiatives to help cultural workers in need. The challenges when applying for Schengen-Visa increase the risk of having to return to the country of origin.