Free Artist Residencies in Germany

Akademie Schloss Solitude

Stuttgart, Germany

Akademie Schloss Solitude is an international and transdisciplinary artist-in-residence program in Stuttgart, Germany, awarding 50-60 residencies every two years to artists, researchers, and cultural professionals across all disciplines. It provides space for concentrated work, interdisciplinary exchange, and networking, with fellows receiving furnished live/work studios, a monthly stipend of €1,300, and travel support for 6- or 9-month stays.[1][2][3]

Artist in Residence Munich

Munich, Germany

NEBYULA and Rosa Stern Space e.V., in cooperation with the Department of Arts and Culture of the City of Munich, offer a visual arts residency at Villa Waldberta or Ebenböckhaus through the Artist in Residence Munich program. This residency supports artists across various disciplines, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film, video, digital art, and performance, or a combination of media. Selected artists receive a monthly grant of €1,200 and a public transportation ticket. The residency fosters artistic development and cultural exchange, providing an inspiring environment for creative work. Applications are evaluated by a jury, and the selected candidates are expected to fulfill contractual requirements set by the City of Munich.

Artists Unlimited

Bielefeld, Germany

Artists Unlimited is an artist-run association and art house located in Bielefeld, Germany, that has been supporting international artists since 1985. The organization provides a three-month residency where artists and designers from around the world can live and work in a dedicated guest studio integrated within the Artists Unlimited house, a former paper factory. The residency includes a private studio and apartment, with essential amenities such as a kitchen, washing machine, and Wi-Fi. Artists Unlimited covers the cost of rent and provides a monthly grant, while travel expenses are the responsibility of the artist. Residents are encouraged to present their work in the on-site gallery by the end of their stay. The program is financed by the members of Artists Unlimited and relies on voluntary contributions.

Basis

Frankfurt, Germany

Basis E.V., located in Frankfurt, Germany, supports and presents international contemporary art through its extensive residency programs, notably the AIR_Frankfurt and AIR_Offenbach. Since 2006, Basis E.V. has fostered creative production by providing affordable studio spaces and facilitating international exchanges. The AIR_Frankfurt program, supervised by the City of Frankfurt’s Department for Culture and Basis E.V., targets artists from Frankfurt and partner cities worldwide, promoting cross-cultural artistic development and networking. Each residency spans three months and includes financial support, travel cost coverage, accommodation, and curatorial support. The AIR_Offenbach extends similar opportunities to artists based in Offenbach, promoting contemporary visual arts and international exchange with emerging art centers. Basis E.V. emphasizes the integration of residents into the local artistic network and offers public presentation opportunities through artist talks and final project exhibitions.

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.

Borderland by Ludwig Forum Aachen

Aachen, Germany

Ludwig Forum Aachen hosts the Borderland Residencies, an offline program designed for visual artists and artist duos. Located in the German-Dutch-Belgian border area, the residency provides a unique opportunity for creative work in the culturally rich Rhineland region. The program includes a furnished studio apartment, studio space within the museum, and a monthly stipend for living and material costs. Residents benefit from studio visits, field trips, and networking opportunities within the EuRegion. The Ludwig Forum Aachen is renowned for its contemporary art collections, including works from post-war Germany, US-American Pop Art, and Soviet Russia. The museum’s diverse program features exhibitions, research projects, and various cultural events. Borderland Residencies aim to foster artistic dialogue and collaboration across borders. Applications are open to internationally working visual artists who are not based in Germany or enrolled at a German university.

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.

Global Forest

St. Georgen, Germany

The Global Forest art association, in collaboration with Furtwangen University (HFU) and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), offers a three-month artist residency as part of the ResonanzLab project. This residency invites artists to explore the theme of “climate anxiety” through artistic engagement with sound, language, and community participation. Located in St. Georgen, in the Black Forest, the residency offers a rent-free living and studio space, a monthly stipend, and production support. Artists will collaborate with local communities in the Lake Constance region, develop participatory projects, and present their findings in a final exhibition. The residency aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange between the arts and sciences and encourage public engagement with pressing environmental concerns.

Hamburg Ministry for Culture and Media

Hamburg, Germany

The Hamburg Ministry for Culture and Media offers eight three-month residencies for international artists at Westwerk in Hamburg. This residency provides rent-free accommodation, a monthly allowance of €900, and travel expenses for one return journey. Artists will live and work at Westwerk, engaging with the Hamburg cultural scene. Each artist will receive a one-off subsidy of €500 for a final presentation. Residencies include a private apartment and shared bathroom, with access to gallery and performance spaces. The program supports visual arts, photography, film, multimedia, and music combined with visual arts. Applicants must have health and liability insurance and cover any visa requirements.

Künstlerhaus Meinersen

Meinersen, Germany

Künstlerhaus Meinersen offers an Art Scholarship aimed at promoting young contemporary art while enriching the cultural landscape of the region. This scholarship provides a residency at the Meinersen Artists’ House for a period of up to twelve months. Managed by Künstlerhaus Meinersen e.V., the program includes rent-free accommodation and a monthly stipend of €800. Recipients are expected to reside at the Artists’ House, engage with the public through an art project, and participate in house events. Graduates of art schools and universities up to the age of 35 are preferred.

NEU WORKSHOP

Munich, Germany

The NEU WORKSHOP Residency is a six-week program designed to support young and emerging artists by providing free working space and access to a range of materials and equipment. Located in Munich, this residency offers participants a comprehensive environment to research, experiment, and create across various disciplines. Each resident receives a working budget of €800 and, if applicable, €400 for accommodation support. At the end of the residency, artists present their work through a public event or exhibition, backed by additional production and technical support. NEU WORKSHOP is a self-funded initiative that aims to offer an independent alternative to traditional institutional residencies. The workshop space is equipped with high-end photography and video equipment, workstations for editing, screen printing facilities, and more. Artists are selected based on their portfolios, ongoing research, and project proposals. The residency fosters a community of creatives, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and collective learning.

Otte1 Künstlerhaus Eckernförde

Eckernförde, Germany

Künstlerhaus Otte1 is an artist residency located in Eckernförde, Germany, dedicated to supporting young artists and fostering new ideas. Named after its location at Ottestr. 1, the residency offers grants that create long-term relationships and unique projects, including artistic encounters, educational activities, culinary surprises, performances, dance, film, and music performances. Four studios are available rent-free for selected scholars, who also receive financial support of 1,000 euros per month. The residency is open to professional artists in the fields of visual arts, literature, and music composition. Applications are accepted exclusively online during an announced period, usually in summer for the following year. Selection is made by professional, competent juries in the respective fields. Otte1 is a member of the Network of Artists’ Residences in Northern Germany.

PACT Zollverein

Essen, Germany

PACT Zollverein's residency program, running since 2002, is a cornerstone of its mission, offering a nurturing ground for professional artists from around the world. Specializing in dance, performance, media arts, and music, the program fosters a vibrant exchange between practice and theory. Residents enjoy a unique blend of independence and potential collaboration, benefiting from studio space, accommodation, financial support, and technical assistance. With a commitment to sustainability, PACT encourages eco-friendly travel and supports barrier-free and family-friendly residencies. The program, celebrated for its contribution to artistic and scientific exploration, is a testament to PACT Zollverein's role as an Artists’ House, emphasizing the importance of sharing and developing new work within a supportive community.

RaumKulturDenkmal

Breitenberg, Germany

The RaumKulturDenkmal e.V. aims to promote nature conservation, art, culture, and the protection of cultural landscapes in the tri-border area of Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria. The association is involved in cross-border projects with international participation, focusing on the preservation of endangered cultural and wild plants, the revival and restoration of historical building structures, and artistic research. The Bauhaus Bavaria Artist-in-Residence program celebrates sustainable practices and inclusive spirit, merging the ethos of the Bauhaus Movement and the Black Mountain College. The residency offers a unique opportunity for sustainable creative experimentation in a historically rich and ecologically significant location.

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.

Schloss Balmoral

Bad Ems, Germany

The Artist Residency Schloss Balmoral, nestled in the scenic town of Bad Ems, Germany, is a prestigious program that has been nurturing the talents of visual artists, curators, and now educators from around the globe since 1995. Annually, the residency awards multiple fellowships across various disciplines, with each fellowship tailored to foster creative exploration within a thematic or genre-specific framework. Since 2013, these fellowships have been thematically aligned, encouraging residents to delve deep into specific artistic inquiries during their stay at the historic Schloss Balmoral. The residency is renowned for its support of artists at all stages of their careers, offering both 4-month and 8-month fellowships. Additionally, the residency provides a critical platform for artists at risk through a dedicated fellowship, affirming its role as a sanctuary for artistic expression.

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.

Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig)

Braunschweig, Germany

The Science & Art Lab at Technische Universität Braunschweig bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and diverse artistic expressions. Supported by various foundations and the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture, the lab fosters dialogue and collaboration between science, art, and the public. It offers a platform for experiments, new formats, and innovative ideas, encouraging critical and inspiring exchanges. The lab provides space for talks, exhibitions, screenings, and other opportunities for interaction, aiming to create a community around art and science. Artists in residence will engage with quantum research, benefiting from the expertise and resources available at the university. The residency includes collaborations with local cultural institutions, enhancing the artistic and scientific experience. The program is open to international artists, emphasizing interdisciplinary and experimental approaches. The initiative aims to build long-lasting relationships and inspire new ways of thinking through the fusion of art and science.

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.

ZKM Center for Art and Media

Karlsruhe, Germany

The ZKM | Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, Germany, hosts various artist residencies focused on media art, digital technologies, performative art, and interdisciplinary practices, often in collaboration with international partners. Programs like the Rauschenberg Residencies, Web Residencies, and specialized calls for machine learning or videopoetry artists provide opportunities for research, production, and experimentation at their Hertz-Lab facilities. Residencies typically last from four weeks to three months and offer stipends, housing, and access to advanced technological resources.