Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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, much work still remains in terms of recognizing the value and relevance of contemporary practices beyond a Eurocentric framework. At the current moment in time, we feel it is 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 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 for selection. However, the Artists-in-Berlin Program is interested in positions that intellectually examine and take a critical stance toward historical and current concerns and 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 fields of film, literature, and music & sound. Application requirements for these specific artistic areas can be found here.
The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program receives hundreds of applications every year. Given the small number of fellowships to be awarded, many highly qualified applications cannot 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.
The Artists-in-Berlin Program fellowship does not provide support to emerging talent. Applications from those who are still in school or have just completed their education are officially excluded. However, doctoral students are eligible to receive support. Academic training is not a prerequisite for receiving a BKP fellowship.
In the visual arts category, five artists are nominated and selected by a specialist jury. Accordingly, applications cannot be submitted in this category.
German nationals are excluded from applying. German nationals (including dual nationals) who live abroad can only apply if they can verify that they reside primarily in the country from which they are applying—as a stipulation, applicants must have residency for a minimum of six years.
Artists residing primarily in Germany are excluded from applying, regardless of their nationality, except in cases in which they initially registered in Germany no more than fifteen months prior to the application deadline. (Please submit a copy of your registration certificate, effective date: September 1 of the previous year)
We are working on a long-term solution to invite collectives and better accommodate contemporary artistic practices. Currently, however, we can only offer artistic duos two separate fellowships. In such a case, the jury would have to select each member individually. It is sufficient to submit one application form per duo. Unfortunately, collectives with more than two members are not allowed.
The application period begins in October of each year and ends on December 1, 23:59 CET.
A contact form and an application form including links to work samples must be completed online. Optionally, letters of reference and press reviews can also be uploaded as PDFs. Due to the multi-phase application process, all links must remain available until September of the following year (see “WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUBMISSION?”).
The application portal can be accessed during the application period here.
After the application deadline, all applications will be reviewed for formal admissibility. Due to the high volume of applications, this process takes several months. Please refrain from contacting us regarding the status of your application during this time.
International, revolving, specialist juries meet every year between March and May in Berlin.
Decisions will be communicated after all jury meetings are completed. Invitations are sent out for the following year.
Residencies may begin between January 1 and May 31 of the following calendar year, or later in justified, exceptional cases. The exact date of arrival must be scheduled with the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program as early as possible.
The duration of the fellowship is twelve months in the visual arts, literature, and music categories, and six months in the film category.
Monthly fellowship installments for 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 fellowship
German language course (optional)
The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program is a family-friendly institution. The invitation also applies to your spouse/registered partner and/or children up to the age of eighteen, provided they also reside in Berlin for the entire fellowship period.
If this is the case, a large enough apartment will be provided. Travel expenses are also reimbursed for family members. There are various international schools in Berlin for school-age children.
Unfortunately, depending on your country of origin, it may still be difficult to obtain a visa for your partner if you are not married or your partnership is not a legally recognized civil partnership / same-sex relationship.