DAAD - Scholarship Artists-in-Berlin Program

Artists-in-Berlin Program (DAAD)

You will be awarded a one-year residency in Berlin – a paid residency during which you will live and work in the city as an established artist. You will receive a monthly grant sufficient to cover a reasonable standard of living, although the exact amount is not disclosed. In addition to the financial support, you will be provided with furnished accommodation in Berlin, reimbursement of travel and luggage costs, health and accident insurance, and German language courses. Travel and luggage costs are also covered for a partner and any children accompanying you for the entire duration of the residency. There are no production obligations: the programme gives you the time and space to work. It also supports you in presenting your exhibitions, concerts, performances, films, readings and publications during and after your residency. Around 20 artists are selected each year. The fellowship is awarded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), one of the world’s best-known artist-in-residence programmes.

Who can apply

• Career stage: You are an established artist with your own style and reputation. PhD students are eligible to apply. Artists who are still in training or have only just completed their training are not eligible for funding.
• Field: You work in the fields of film, literature or music and sound. Applications in the field of visual arts are not accepted, as places in this category are awarded exclusively by nomination from the jury.
• Nationality and residence: This call for applications is open to artists of all nationalities. If you are a German citizen (including those with dual nationality), you may only apply if you have lived predominantly abroad for at least 6 years and can provide evidence of this. If you live predominantly in Germany, you are generally not eligible to apply.
• Age: There is no minimum or maximum age.
• Degree: No academic qualification required.
• Focus: Artists whose works engage critically with historical issues and current debates are given preference over works that are purely aesthetic.
• Past fellows: If you have already received this scholarship, you cannot apply again.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online in the categories of film, literature or music and sound. The application period runs from around mid-October to 15 December. A specialist jury assesses all entries over several rounds; the results will not be available for several months. Please do not submit any letters of recommendation, as these are not required.

How realistic are your chances?

This is one of the most sought-after residency programmes in the world. Hundreds of applications are received for around 20 places, so competition is extremely fierce. It is aimed exclusively at artists who already have an extensive body of work and a distinctive style; whilst this narrows the field, the chances of success remain slim nonetheless. A clear, well-developed portfolio that engages with the themes central to the programme stands out in particular. A rejection says nothing about the quality of your work.