DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program 2026 for international artists and cultural practitioners. Apply below.
15th December 2024
Table of Contents
The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program is one of the most renowned residency programs for international artists and cultural practitioners in the fields of visual arts, film, literature, and music & sound. Each year, it awards residencies in Berlin to around twenty outstanding cultural producers.
The fellowship was established to offer artists time and space to focus on their creative practice without production obligations. Fellows are invited to actively engage not only with the dynamic cultural scenes of Berlin and Germany but also various communities within the city. Each year around twenty outstanding artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds are invited to Berlin. The Artists-in-Berlin Program is committed to including and presenting a wide range of voices and perspectives. Of particular importance to us here is the advancement of gender equality.
Since its inception, the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program has been a key player in cultivating the internationalization of contemporary art in Germany. However, there is still much work to be done in terms of recognizing the value and relevance of contemporary practices beyond a Eurocentric framework. At present, we see it as our responsibility to demonstrate a clear commitment to creating equal access, visibility, and resources through our institutional practice without measuring artistic positions against a Western art and culture system and its market.
The artistic fields: Visual Arts, Film, Literature, Music & Sound, and their application specifics
Fellowship
The program is an award for outstanding international artists from the fields of visual arts, film, literature, and music & sound. It is intended for established artists who have already developed their own voice and standing.
There is no (upper) age limit.
An academic background is not required. However, the Artists-in-Berlin Program is primarily interested in positions that critically engage with historical issues as well as contemporary discourses. We therefore prefer artists who go beyond pure aesthetics and address the relevant issues of our time.
Applications may only be submitted in the categories of film, literature, and music & sound. Application requirements for these specific artistic areas can be found below (see→HOW DO I SUBMIT MY WORK SAMPLES?). In the visual arts category, artists are nominated and selected by a specialist jury. Accordingly, applications cannot be submitted in this category.
The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program receives hundreds of applications every year. Given the limited number of fellowships on offer, many highly qualified applications might not be accepted. An application that is not accepted in no way implies a negative assessment of the applicant’s artistic work.
Applicants can reapply at any time. By submitting an application, artists agree to the guiding principles of the program.
Germany
Not specified
A monthly stipend to cover living expenses and rent.
Provision of a furnished apartment. Please note that not all apartments have the same level of accessibility (e.g. elevator / equipment).
Travel and luggage expenses (scheduled flight, economy class), also for partners and children if they reside in Berlin for the entire duration of the fellowship
If necessary: health, accident, and liability insurance; premiums are deducted from the stipend payments.
German language courses (optional).
The duration of the fellowship is twelve months in the visual arts, literature, and music categories, and six months in the film category.
Applications for the 2026 residencies for film, literature and music & sound are now open. The application deadline is December 15, 2024, 23:59 CET.
In the visual arts category, candidates are nominated and selected by a specialist jury. Accordingly, applications cannot be submitted in this field.
All information about the application process and scholarship benefits can be found in the FAQ. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the guidelines before you begin your application.
Visit Award Webpage for Details
This post was last modified on December 3, 2024 4:13 pm