Villa Aurora: A Memorial to German Exile in the United States and an Artists' Residence

Villa Aurora was established in 1995 as an artists' residence and venue for international encounters in the former exile home of Lion and Marta Feuchtwanger in Pacific Palisades.

Lion Feuchtwanger is considered one of the most widely read authors of the 20th century. His novel Die Geschwister Oppermann was described by Pulitzer Prize winner Joshua Cohen as one of the last masterpieces of German-Jewish culture. Marta Feuchtwanger had a significant part in Lion's literary success, serving as his critic and editor while also being an activist and hosting salons.

Today, as an interdisciplinary residence, Villa Aurora honors the memory and legacy of the artists and intellectuals who sought refuge in California during the Nazi era and profoundly shaped the cultural life of the American West Coast. Since 1995, more than 450 artists have been awarded grants at Villa Aurora. Their work has been inspired by the dynamic U.S. culture, the unique Californian landscape, and the numerous traces of German exiles in Los Angeles and the many other artists who lived and worked with them at Villa Aurora.

Artists' Grants

General information

Every year, Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e. V. awards up to twenty grants to artists working in the visual arts, composition, film, and literature for a three-month stay at Villa Aurora in Los Angeles.

  • The grant aims to support work on an artistic project.
  • Two artists may apply for a joint grant to work on a project together. Each artist must complete a separate application form and indicate that the application refers to a joint grant.
  • Grants are tied to the calendar quarter.
  • Due to limited space, the accommodation of family members for extended periods of time cannot be guaranteed.
  • Visits of up to 14 days are possible upon prior consultation.
  • Villa Aurora grant recipients receive support in realizing planned projects and related research and in networking with partners and institutions.
  • Up to six additional grants at Villa Aurora are awarded directly through our partner organizations in separate selection processes.

A Villa Aurora grant entails:

  • a monthly stipend of EUR 2,500 including project funds
  • a round-trip travel allowance of EUR 1,275 and a monthly mobility allowance of EUR 600
  • free accommodation at Villa Aurora: During their stay, each grant recipient has their own furnished room with private bathroom. In addition, grant recipients have access to two shared kitchens, numerous communal areas and quiet spaces, and a garden area for interacting with other grant recipients and guests.
  • child allowances (if applicable): EUR 400 per month for the first accompanying child, EUR 100 for each additional child.

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