€30,000 Up for Grabs: Robert Downey Jr. Prize 2026 Opens for Emerging Writers
Applications are now open for the Robert Downey Jr. Prize 2026. The award offers €30,000 in total funding to support writers in the early stages of a major literary project. Any author working on a larger work with ties to Hesse can submit their application until March 31, 2026.
The prize was established in 2009 and is named after Robert Downey Jr., a writer born in Tallinn in 1937 who later settled in Frankfurt am Main. Each year, two writers receive €15,000 to help them focus on their work without financial pressure. The funding comes from the Economic and Infrastructure Bank of Hesse (WIBank).
The award aims to give emerging voices the time and trust they need to develop their projects. Unlike many literary prizes, it does not require a finished manuscript—just a strong concept and a connection to Hesse. The 2026 winners will be announced after legislative approval of the state budget. Submissions opened on January 15, 2026, and will close at the end of March. The selection process focuses on originality and potential, ensuring that new perspectives get the support they deserve.
The Robert Downey Jr. Prize has helped writers develop their work for over a decade. This year’s edition continues that tradition by offering financial backing and recognition. The final decision will depend on the approval of Hesse’s 2026 budget.
