Writing / Literature Residencies in Berlin

American Academy in Berlin

BERLIN, Germany

The American Academy in Berlin is a private, nonprofit institution offering semester-long residential fellowships to American scholars, artists, writers, composers, and journalists for advanced independent research and creative work in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and public policy. Fellows reside at the Hans Arnhold Center on Lake Wannsee and engage in transatlantic dialogue through public lectures, readings, performances, and discussions.

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.

coGalleries

Berlin, Germany

coGalleries Artist Residency Berlin is an international artist residency program committed to fostering cross-cultural exchange among artists, curators, and institutions. Based in the dynamic art compound FAHRBEREITSCHAFT in East Berlin, the residency offers access to a shared studio loft and tailored support including mentoring, networking, and presentation opportunities. Artists can choose between two main tracks — one culminating in an Open Studio presentation and the other offering a full Solo Exhibition with coaching and professional development. The residency emphasizes connection to Berlin’s thriving contemporary art scene and encourages collaboration with nearby institutions and practitioners. Residents gain insight through organized events such as gallery visits, artist talks, and studio critiques. The program supports artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, literature, and curatorial practice. Housing is not included but can be arranged at additional cost. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the team offers PR support and continued professional connections beyond the residency.

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.

Literary Colloquium Berlin

Berlin, Germany

The Literary Colloquium Berlin (LCB) is an international residency program housed in a historic villa on Wannsee Lake in Berlin, Germany, serving as a hub for writers, translators, and literary exchange through fellowships, workshops, public events, and publications. It offers residencies typically lasting 1-3 months or specific periods like 1 month, often with stipends, targeting German-language authors, international writers, and translators via various partner-funded programs.

SAVVY Contemporary Residency

Berlin, Germany

The SAVVY Contemporary Residency in Berlin hosts national and international curators, artists, writers, thinkers, researchers, and cultural professionals for periods of at least 3 months, challenging residents to engage with Berlin’s socio-political context and explore trans-disciplinary issues beyond geographical constraints. Residents work from premises in a former power plant in Neukölln, offering workshops, seminars, or lectures, with accommodation in private rooms in a shared flat 500m away, though no production studios are available. The program emphasizes decolonial practices, public-oriented research, and topics like Afro-Pacific affinities and innovative exhibition-making, often through partnerships like REFLEKT for practitioners from Southeast Asia.

SomoS

Berlin, Germany

SomoS is an international artist residency program located in the creative heart of Berlin, Germany, bridging the dynamic Kreuzberg and Neukölln districts. It offers a collaborative, supportive, and structured environment for artists, curators, and researchers looking to develop their projects in a global art hub. The residency typically lasts for a minimum of three months, with staggered arrival times allowing for individualized support. Residents are provided with furnished living and working spaces, equipped for a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, media, literature, and design. In addition to daily staff support, participants have access to SomoS’ gallery, extensive library, and shared facilities, encouraging both independent creation and community engagement. Artists can present their work through exhibitions, workshops, or public talks during their residency. SomoS partially subsidizes the program and offers discounts for early bookings and full payments. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and selected artists are encouraged to secure external funding for the remaining fees.

Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e.V.

Berlin, Germany

Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House e.V. is a European-American foundation based in Berlin that operates artist residencies primarily at its sites in Los Angeles, including Villa Aurora and Thomas Mann House, fostering transatlantic exchange in arts, literature, and culture. It offers fellowships and grants such as the Berlin Fellowship for LA-based artists to reside in Berlin for several weeks, and supports programs like music residencies and Thomas Mann Fellowships addressing global issues. The organization emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, providing stipends, housing, and networking opportunities for artists from Germany and internationally.