The Thomas Mann House in Los Angeles: A space for transatlantic debate
The Thomas Mann House in Los Angeles is a vibrant space for transatlantic debate, where outstanding personalities and thought leaders explore fundamental political, social, and cultural issues of today and the future, in dialogue with each other and with the host country, the United States.
As a residency funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, the Thomas Mann House and its interdisciplinary programs are committed to the spirit of Thomas Mann. During his time in the United States, the writer Mann, in his literary works, lectures, and essays, extensively explored the roots of fascism, democratic renewal, freedom, migration and exile.
Thomas Mann Fellowships
A fellowship program for the sociopolitical dialogue
Building on this sociopolitical work, the Thomas Mann House's fellowship program addresses the relevant challenges of our time by bringing into a dialogue German and American interlocutors from different disciplines, intellectual and artistic traditions, and political backgrounds.
Who can apply for a Thomas Mann Fellowship?
The Fellowship targets thought leaders, intellectuals, scientists from all disciplines, innovators, creatives, and outstanding personalities that contribute to societal debates and developments. Candidates must live in Germany or must show that Germany has been their main place of residence within the last ten years. German citizenship is not required. German citizens living abroad can also apply.
For 2026, we invite applications for Junior and Senior Fellowships at the Thomas Mann House:
- Junior Fellowships are aimed at thinkers and intellectuals who are at the beginning of their career. Applicants must already demonstrate public engagement (e.g., through publications, readings, lectures, etc.).
- Senior Fellowships are aimed at individuals who have already achieved a high level of public visibility as well as international recognition in their field (e.g., through publications, awards, invitations to public presentations, and relevant media coverage).
What are the goals and expectations of the Thomas Mann Fellowships?
The aim of the Thomas Mann Fellowships is to realize and publicly present a concrete transatlantic project on the 2026 annual topic "In Search of a Common Cause." A central goal of the Fellowship program is the open dialogue with the wider public. In addition to a high level of English proficiency and the willingness to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, Thomas Mann Fellows are therefore also expected to actively and extensively interact and engage with partners of the Thomas Mann House and with other institutions in California and across the United States.
2026 Annual Topic: In Search of a Common Cause
Solidarity and the notion of common cause have long been both pillars and promises of the modern liberal order. However, in recent decades, we seem to have forgotten their importance as a precondition for society to exist, function, and develop. Yet, how can we imagine a common cause when we face disagreements and polarisation not only on some specifics but on the very fundamentals of what constitutes the common good? Can we build and maintain solidarity among seemingly opposing identities, groups, and geopolitical alliances? What are the roles of government, business, and civil society? In a transatlantic context, what are examples of innovative approaches to building cohesive, equitable, and fair communities in fields such as arts and culture, religion, education, technology, sports, or the environment? What could 21st-century concepts of solidarity and common cause look like?
Application Requirements and Selection Process
General Information
- Fellowships are awarded for a minimum of three and a maximum of ten months. Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e. V. will determine the length and timing of each individual stay after a careful review and coordination of all fellows’ requests. The general length of a stay is three to five months.
- Fellows receive support in realizing their projects and related research, networking with partners and institutions in the United States, and organizing presentations (e.g., lectures, workshops, and readings).
The Thomas Mann Fellowship includes:
- a basic monthly stipend of EUR 3,000 to help pay for living expenses,
- a round-trip travel allowance of EUR 1,275 and a monthly mobility allowance of EUR 600,
- travel and accommodation expenses incurred for the purpose of networking with partners and institutions within the USA (upon application to the local director's office in L.A.),
- child allowances: EUR 400 per month for the first accompanying child, EUR 100 for each additional child,
- free accommodation at the Thomas Mann House: a modern furnished room with private bathroom and desk, a shared kitchen, numerous communal areas and quiet spaces, and a garden area for interacting with other Fellows and guests,
- project cost allowances (upon application to the local director's office in L.A.).
Requirements
- Proven expertise on current issues in the fields of arts and culture, politics, economics, media, and/or science. Proof must be provided in the form of a letter of recommendation (in German or English).
- Intellectual curiosity, interest in foreign disciplines, and willingness to engage in conversation beyond one's own discipline.
- A high level of English proficiency, both written and spoken.
- At the time of their nomination through the advisory board, candidates must live and work in Germany or show that Germany has been their main place of residence in the last ten years.
- German citizenship is not required. German citizens living abroad can also apply.
- Existing contacts with U.S. partners and institutions are desirable.
- Willingness to contribute to a social and productive living environment at Villa Aurora and the Thomas Mann House.
Application
- To apply for a Thomas Mann Fellowship, please use the online application form.
- Students are not eligible to apply. PhD candidates may apply.
- Reapplication is possible after 3 years. Therefore, your last application must have been no later than 2022. These terms apply VATMH-wide and also include previous applications to Villa Aurora.
- The marked spaces on the application form must be filled out in both German and English.
- Each application must be based on at least one letter of recommendation (in German or English) by a person with a public record of expertise in the field of the proposed project.
- For an application to be considered, the proposed project must refer to the annual topic as well as to current transatlantic debates.
- The qualifications of the candidate should be described and explained with a view to the profile of the Thomas Mann Fellowship.
- It is also possible for (no more than) two people to apply for a Thomas Mann Fellowship (Partner Fellowship) with a joint project. Each applicant must submit a separate application form.
- The letter of recommendation must address both applicants' individual qualifications and the merits of their collaborative project.
- You or the recommending person can upload the letter of recommendation via the upload link in the confirmation email that we will send after receiving your application.
Selection Process
- The applications will be checked by the VATMH office to make sure all documents are complete and the letters of recommendation informative.
- An interdisciplinary advisory board appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e. V. will review and evaluate the applications and nominate the Thomas Mann Fellows.
- Depending on the availability of the nominated candidates, the fellowships will be awarded by the Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e. V. after confirmation by the Board of Trustees.
- Applicants have no legal right to the award of a fellowship.
- The decision will be communicated to the candidates by e-mail or mail; no explanation will be given for the decision.
- Upon acceptance, all selected candidates will receive a contract. The award of the fellowship is legally valid only upon signature of the contract by the fellows.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for Thomas Mann Fellowships in 2026 is February 13, 2025. Applicants are expected to be notified in June 2025.
Application Form
> TO THE APPLICATION FORM
FAQ
Is there an age limit for Junior Fellows?
- No, there is no age limit for Junior Fellows.
Can I apply to both the Thomas Mann House and Villa Aurora at the same time?
- You can only apply to one of the two grant/fellowship programs within the current application period. Please also see the call for applications for information about reapplications.
Do I have to upload the letter of recommendation myself? Can the author of the letter of recommendation upload the document?
- Either you or the author of the letter of recommendation can upload the document. If you want to upload more than one document, please note that the link can be used multiple times.
When will I know if I have been selected for a fellowship?
- The relevant committee meetings are scheduled to take place in April/May. You will probably be notified in early June.
What workspaces and materials will be provided by TMH?
- All suites are equipped with desks, and there is also a workstation in Thomas Mann’s former study, which can be used on a first come, first serve basis.
- Password-protected Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
- A black-and-white printer is available in the building; color prints can be made upon request in the office in the adjacent building.
- Standard office supplies can be provided by the office upon request.
- It is possible to request access to the Getty Research Institute Library at the following web address: https://www.getty.edu/research/library/using/access/.
- There is a large reading room in the Doheny Memorial Library on the USC campus that can also be used as a workstation. A visit to the USC campus is required to be issued an ID card; the request may take a few days to process.
Will VATMH pay for substitute professorships?
- VATMH cannot assume any costs for substitute professorships.
Can I bring guests or my family along?
- Visits by family members, partners, and guests at the Thomas Mann House are limited to a maximum of two weeks during a three-month residency period and are only possible upon prior arrangement with the local staff. If the fellow’s period of stay is longer than three months, family members, partners, and guests can visit for a maximum of three weeks.
- Due to limited space, long-term stays of family members at the TMH can unfortunately not be guaranteed. VATMH will of course be happy to advise on renting additional living space for family members and will always endeavor to find flexible solutions for families within the institution's capacity.
Will VATMH pay for external accommodation for family members?
- VATMH grants child allowances: EUR 400 per month for the first accompanying child, EUR 100 for each additional child.
- No additional funding for renting external living space for family members can be provided.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to us!
- Please contact us for further inquiries.
