He becomes City Poet in Mainz - Sven Regener Named Mainz Writer-in-Residence
Sven Regener, the 64-year-old German author and musician, has been named the Mainz Writer-in-Residence. He will relocate from Berlin to Mainz, where he will live and work in the historic Old Town apartment for a year, starting in 2026. The award comes with a €12,500 prize and an opportunity to collaborate with ZDF and 3sat on a film project of his choice.
Regener is best known for his debut novel, Herr Lehmann, published in 2001. It was adapted into a film starring Christian Ulmen and introduced readers to Regener's antihero, Frank Lehmann. The jury praised Regener's work for capturing 'the dramas of everyday life while embracing the poetry of life’s missteps'.
Regener co-founded the band Element of Crime in Berlin in 1985 and has written nearly all of their lyrics. His musical contributions have been recognised with the Golden Note Music Prize from the city of Goslar. During his residency, Regener will also write further books and collaborate with ZDF and 3sat on his film project.
Sven Regener's award as Mainz Writer-in-Residence reflects his significant contributions to German literature and music. The residency will provide him with the time and space to create new works and develop his film project, further enriching the cultural scene in Mainz.
