Free Artist Residencies in Berlin

Bauhaus Earth

Berlin, Germany

The Experimental Fellowship at Bauhaus Earth is an international program designed for emerging practitioners in architecture, design, engineering, and interdisciplinary fields aiming to explore sustainable, regenerative approaches to the built environment. Hosted by Experimental, a Berlin-based non-profit founded by architect Prof. Regine Leibinger, the program supports fellows through financial assistance, mentorship, and access to a collaborative network. The fellowship emphasizes open-ended, practice-led research that results in tangible prototypes or architectural fragments integrating ecological and social concerns. Bauhaus Earth offers a supportive environment that connects fellows with workshops, expert advisors, and public engagement opportunities in Berlin and Brandenburg. Projects are developed in mutual collaboration with the program team and relevant stakeholders. Fellows gain visibility through exhibitions, publications, and public programming. The initiative bridges research and real-world application to rethink how architecture can contribute to sustainable futures. With a focus on material innovation, local ecosystems, and circular practices, Bauhaus Earth fosters experimental design practices that push boundaries in the architectural field.

Callie’s

Berlin, Germany

Callie’s is a non-profit experimental institution in Berlin dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange through its residency program, exhibitions, and public programs. Housed in a former machine factory in the Wedding district, Callie’s offers private studio spaces, a movement studio with a sprung floor, a cooperative sound studio, and a dedicated writing room. The residency is self-guided, allowing artists at any stage of their careers to explore new ideas without production requirements. Artists-in-residence can also request on-site accommodation in micro-apartments, designed with handmade and custom elements. Callie’s fosters an open and interdisciplinary environment, with periodic informal gatherings, networking opportunities, and access to Berlin’s rich cultural landscape. While the residency covers workspace and resources, it does not provide direct funding for travel or materials. The program is open to visual artists, musicians, choreographers, writers, poets, and researchers, supporting a wide range of creative practices. Residencies typically last six months, with some flexibility for shorter stays.

DAAD

Berlin, Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a prominent organization known for its extensive support of the international exchange of students and scholars. Since its establishment in 1925, DAAD has become one of the world's largest funding organizations for international academic cooperation. It offers a wide range of programs including scholarships for study and research in Germany, funding for German students, graduates, and academics abroad, and support for the internationalization of German universities. DAAD also promotes German studies and the German language abroad, supports developing countries in establishing effective universities, and advises decision makers on matters of cultural, education, and development policy. Its scholarship programs are aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and building bridges between cultures. DAAD's vast alumni network spans over a hundred countries, including several prominent academics, artists, and leaders who have benefited from its programs. Through initiatives like the Artists-in-Berlin Program, DAAD underscores its commitment to enriching artistic dialogues and cultural exchanges worldwide. As an influential advocate for educational and scientific exchange, DAAD plays a crucial role in shaping global academic and cultural landscapes.

S+T+ARTS

Berlin, Germany

S+T+ARTS (Science + Technology + Arts) is an initiative launched by the European Commission to foster alliances between science, technology, and the arts. This initiative aims to tackle the complex challenges of our times by integrating artistic practices into research and innovation processes. Through various programs and residencies, S+T+ARTS supports collaborative projects that address pressing societal issues such as sustainability, digital transformation, and social inclusiveness. The organization facilitates residencies, awards, and collaborative projects, connecting artists with scientists, technologists, and industry experts across Europe. S+T+ARTS residencies offer artists the opportunity to work in diverse environments, from high-tech laboratories to remote ecological sites, providing the resources and support needed to develop innovative solutions. These projects are designed to stimulate critical thinking, promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, and inspire new ways of addressing global challenges. S+T+ARTS is committed to promoting a sustainable future by aligning its projects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal. By supporting art-driven innovation, S+T+ARTS aims to enhance public awareness, drive policy changes, and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and resilient society.

Spreepark Art Space

Berlin, Germany

Spreepark Art Space is a Berlin-based international residency program dedicated to interdisciplinary artistic research within a unique urban-natural setting. Hosted in the Eierhäuschen, a historic riverside building adjacent to the reclaimed Spreepark amusement park, the residency provides an inspiring environment for collectives exploring connections between people, art, and the environment. It specifically welcomes international groups of four who do not live in Berlin or Brandenburg, offering space for collaboration, experimentation, and public engagement. The program emphasizes sustainability, artistic research, and creative approaches to ecological and urban transformation. Residents are supported with complimentary housing, travel cost coverage, and a fixed living stipend. The residency culminates in a group exhibition at the Eierhäuschen the following year, showcasing research-based outcomes. Spreepark Art Space maintains a strong commitment to inclusion, welcoming applications from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled artists, and offers visa support for non-European participants. It serves as a dynamic platform where art, planning, and nature converge within Berlin’s evolving cultural landscape.

Transmediale

Berlin, Germany

The Transmediale Residency Program offers opportunities for artists, researchers, theorists, and practitioners working at the intersection of digital art, media studies, and technology. Located in Berlin, the residency supports hybrid participation, allowing residents to engage both remotely and on-site. The program emphasizes long-term, research-based engagement over outcome-driven projects, fostering collaboration across disciplines. Transmediale works with multiple international partners, offering various residency opportunities for artists from Switzerland, Korea, Chile, and Berlin. Residents receive a stipend, housing support, and travel funding, and are encouraged to develop new projects or expand on existing ones in the fields of media art, art criticism, digital practices, and moving image theory. Transmediale’s extensive network helps residents build sustainable relationships within both the local and global art community.