The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program provides international artists with a funded residency in Berlin, offering time, space, and resources to focus on their creative practice. The fellowship supports artists in visual arts, film, literature, and music & sound, emphasizing diverse perspectives, non-Eurocentric artistic voices, and engagement with contemporary issues. The program includes stipends, housing, travel support, and family accommodations, with applications accepted annually between mid-October and mid-December.

DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program Overview

The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program is one of the world’s leading international artist residency programs. It supports established artists by offering a year-long opportunity to live and work in Berlin, engage with Germany’s cultural ecosystem, and expand global artistic dialogue without production requirements.

The program prioritizes diversity, gender equality, global artistic perspectives, and non-Western artistic traditions.

Program Goals

• Support outstanding international artists with space and time for creative development

• Encourage artistic exchange across cultures and disciplines

• Promote global perspectives beyond Eurocentric frameworks

• Strengthen Berlin’s role in international contemporary art

• Provide equitable access to visibility, institutional resources, and artistic freedom

Why It Matters

The residency:

• Enables artists to focus fully on their artistic practice

• Facilitates global cultural dialogue and cross-disciplinary collaboration

• Supports artists whose work addresses contemporary social, political, and historical issues

• Offers visibility within Berlin’s vibrant art scene

• Helps diversify and internationalize Germany’s cultural landscape

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies by discipline and residency status.

Eligible Applicants

• Established international artists in:

  • Visual arts

  • Film

  • Literature

  • Music & sound

• Artists with a clearly developed artistic voice

• Applicants deeply engaged with contemporary discourses

• Doctoral students (allowed)

Not Eligible

• Emerging artists or those currently in art school

• German nationals—unless they can prove long-term residence abroad

• Artists residing primarily in Germany (unless they registered in Germany less than 15 months before the deadline)

• Program alumni (cannot apply again)

• Direct applicants in visual arts (this category accepts nominations only)

What the Fellowship Provides

Selected artists receive:

• Monthly stipend

• Furnished apartment in Berlin

• Travel and luggage expenses

• Insurance coverage

• Optional German language courses

• Family support: housing and travel for spouses/partners and children under 18

Note: Partners without formal relationship documentation may face visa challenges.

How the Application Works

The application process varies slightly by discipline but follows a structured procedure.

Application Timeline

• Submission window: Mid-October to Mid-December

• Jury deliberations: March–May

• Residency start dates: January 1 to May 31 (exceptions possible)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A single PDF containing:

  • CV

  • Work samples or documentation

  • Reading copies (literature)

  • Scores (music & sound)

  • Press reviews (optional)

• Additional large files may be shared via secure cloud services

• Application text fields (up to 2550 characters each)

Application Process

1. Prepare required materials in PDF format.

2. Upload all documents within the mid-October to mid-December window.

3. Submit work samples following discipline-specific guidelines.

4. For visual arts: obtain a nomination (direct applications not allowed).

5. Await multi-stage review by international specialist juries.

6. Receive final decision after Board approval.

Selection Criteria

Juries evaluate applicants based on:

• Artistic excellence

• Originality and maturity of artistic voice

• Engagement with contemporary issues

• Contribution to global artistic discourse

• Relevance to program values (diversity, equality, non-Eurocentric perspectives)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete PDFs or missing documents

• Applying in visual arts without a nomination

• Exceeding file size limits or using unsupported formats

• Providing unclear or overly academic artistic statements

• Underestimating the importance of contemporary relevance

• Applying while still enrolled in an art degree program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an age limit for applicants?

No. There is no upper age limit.

2. Can emerging artists apply?

No. The program is intended for established artists with a mature artistic voice.

3. Are German citizens eligible?

Generally no, unless they can prove long-term residence outside Germany.

4. Can family members join the fellow?

Yes. Spouses/partners and children under 18 may accompany the fellow, with housing and travel supported.

5. Can applicants reapply?

Yes, unless they are alumni of the program. Alumni cannot apply again.

6. How long does the review process take?

Several months, due to high application volume and multi-stage international jury evaluations.

7. Can applicants residing in Germany apply?

Only if they registered in Germany within the last 15 months before the deadline.

Conclusion

The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program offers exceptional international artists a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Berlin’s creative landscape while receiving comprehensive financial and institutional support. With its focus on diverse global voices, artistic freedom, and socially engaged work, the program remains one of the most influential platforms for advancing contemporary art worldwide. Applicants who align with the program’s mission and demonstrate artistic excellence stand the best chance of being selected.