DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program
Year-long funded residency in Berlin for established international artists in visual arts, film, literature, and music & sound.
The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program is one of the world's leading international artist residency programs, providing established artists with a year-long opportunity to live and work in Berlin. The program supports artists in visual arts, film, literature, and music & sound, emphasizing diverse perspectives, non-Eurocentric artistic voices, and engagement with contemporary issues.
The fellowship offers comprehensive support including monthly stipends, furnished apartments, travel and luggage expenses, insurance coverage, optional German language courses, and family accommodations for spouses/partners and children under 18. Artists receive time, space, and resources to focus entirely on their creative practice while engaging with Germany's vibrant cultural ecosystem.
The program prioritizes diversity, gender equality, global artistic perspectives, and non-Western artistic traditions. It aims to support outstanding international artists, encourage artistic exchange across cultures and disciplines, promote global perspectives beyond Eurocentric frameworks, and strengthen Berlin's role in international contemporary art.
Eligible applicants must be established international artists with a clearly developed artistic voice, deeply engaged with contemporary discourses. Emerging artists, those currently in art school, and German nationals (unless proving long-term residence abroad) are not eligible. German residents who registered less than 15 months before the deadline may apply. Program alumni cannot reapply. Visual arts applicants require nominations; direct applications are not accepted for this category.
Applications are accepted annually between mid-October and mid-December, with residency starting between January 1 and May 31. The selection process involves multi-stage review by international specialist juries, with final decisions approved by the Board. Selection criteria include artistic excellence, originality and maturity of artistic voice, engagement with contemporary issues, contribution to global artistic discourse, and relevance to program values.