Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart, Germany, is a public foundation with a residency program that provides living and work opportunities for young international artists in the following disciplines: visual arts, literature, music, architecture, performing arts, design, film and video. Since 1990, approximately 500 fellows in the various fields have completed residencies. Regular contact between Akademie Schloss Solitude and most former fellows has created a unique worldwide alumni network of young artists; generally they can be described as intelligent, well informed, open and successful in their fields of work.

Why create a new program for scientists and managers?
Up to now artistic potential at Solitude was conveyed in the form of traditional public events. But Akademie Schloss Solitude is convinced that the artistic content and work produced and reflected upon on the premises can be presented through new and different methods. Akademie Schloss Solitude would therefore like to open itself, its cultural potential and its network to people who do or will carry a responsibility in the future: young scientists and managers. The interaction between people of such varied fields and backgrounds can only have a positive effect, creating a synergy between technological knowledge, management and artistic creativity. This synergy would make a small yet important step toward closing the gap between these elite groups that have been long separated - something that has been generally known since German sociologist and social economist Max Weber proclaimed the separation.

Who is a potential participant and what does the program offer?
In addition to the regular 60 fellows per year, up to six science fellows will be selected for residencies of six to twelve months. At the same time, the Akademie will offer short residencies of two to three months for business fellows who have been sent by their companies.

Science fellows are post doctorates working on the editorial phase of a scientific project, recommended by a research center, university, the Deutsche Forschungs Gemeinschaft (DFG) [the German Research Society] or a foundation. The candidate's motivation will be measured by his or her willingness to embrace a new situation at Akademie Schloss Solitude, to seek contact with people who think differently and to question him or herself.

Business fellows are people between 27 and 40 years of age who fulfill the following two conditions: They should possess self-motivation for the program and be considered by their companies as "high potentials". A planned project is a prerequisite for the application. The project can be a structural analysis for the employer, a paper on a specific business-related theme, or a treatise on a broader economic topic, to be developed at Solitude. Projects with a focus on a practical outcome or a situational analysis are not a priority.

As with the previous application rounds, this program will be advertised and announced in Germany and abroad.

How do young scientists and business people benefit from a residency at Solitude?
Previous Solitude fellows generally have developed new models of thought; they planned and realized projects in an interdisciplinary manner and showed the capacity to comprehend and process complex, interconnected subject matter. Most of all, as artists, they have been "seismographs" of current societal and technological developments. For this reason, Solitude fellows are ideal discussion partners for any form of prospective analysis.

Solitude residencies have made lasting impressions on most fellows. This, at the very least, can be measured by the new friendships made, most of which have lasted well beyond the time of residence. A residency at Solitude not only offers potential science and business fellows the opportunity to meet different people and learn about their thought processes, but also provides an ideal environment - literally solitude and a healthy distance from daily concerns - to finalize a research project or work on a prospective analysis assigned by the employer.


How do Akademie Schloss Solitude and its partners benefit from this project?
Connecting the art, science and business networks that have until now existed in separate spheres would facilitate and encourage the transfer of knowledge and experience between young, talented and motivated people - the average age of Solitude fellows is 35. The involved institutions could encourage the preparation of future leaders to deal with a complex world in which not only specialized knowledge but also human cultural understanding is important. With this program, Akademie Schloss Solitude would make a small contribution to the value of culture in society and secure its position as a 21st-century cultural institution with its strong and unique network.

When the program will be announced and how to apply
As a first step, people in charge of major companies, universities and research institutions will receive detailed information about the new program idea. The director of Akademie Schloss Solitude is willing to make individual presentations on the subject for interested companies and universities. A press campaign will take place after the program is first made public in summer 2001. In the application, the candidate will be asked to elaborate on his or her motivation for participating in the program and to present a project assignment for the residency. A selection committee chosen by two representatives of Akademie Schloss Solitude (the director and the current jury chair) will make their selections after meeting personally with each applicant. Outside specialists will be consulted for the science fellows.

What the program offers in detail
As with Solitude’s other fellows, there will be no daily time schedule for the science and business fellows. The best ideas usually arise in the unstructured atmosphere of a less busy schedule. Individual lectures by fellows or their invited guests are possible. Informal contact among fellows of different disciplines is encouraged and part of the program’s goals. During the program, fellows live at the Akademie and are required to be present for three-quarters of their stay. Guests are welcome.

The majority of science fellows will receive fellowships within their post doctorate research, and a few selected fellows will receive the stipend directly from the Akademie. The business fellows will continue to receive their regular salaries and the other benefits. All fellows have free lodging in a studio at the Akademie. Individual supervision is neither provided nor a focus. Short visits by representatives of the respective companies or institutions are welcomed, especially as an open exchange of ideas (and not to control or supervise the fellows). The Akademie director and the other employees are in constant contact with the fellows. Future funding plans include lectures, projects or publications.

Timetable for the first programs
The length of the stay (two to three months) is part of the program. Shorter stays will not be considered as they are of no benefit to the fellows.

Mid-June to November 2001: Distribution of information to potential partners, presentation of the program and first application opportunities for potential candidates.

End of 2001: Preliminary selection and final decision by the selection committee.

For the year 2002, a maximum of six business fellows (not more than two at a time) and a maximum of six science fellows will be invited to Akademie Schloss Solitude. The earliest residencies will begin January 1, 2002. Further start dates are the beginning of each quarter, that is April 1, July 7 and October 1.

After the completion of two new buildings - constructed specifically for this program and slated to be completed by 2004 - up to eight business fellows and sixteen science fellows can be selected per year.


J.-B.J., Mai 01