Berlin, a global hub for creativity, continues to attract artists from around the world with its vibrant art scene and diverse residency programs in 2025. These international art residencies offer unique spaces, funding, and opportunities for artists to develop their practice, connect with peers, and gain exposure. At Artinfoland Magazine, we’ve curated a list of the top five residencies in Berlin, ideal for painters, sculptors, writers, and more seeking inspiration in this dynamic city.
1. DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program
The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program stands as a cornerstone for international artists, offering around 20 fully-funded residencies annually in visual arts, film, literature, and music. Spanning 6 to 12 months, this program provides fellows with a stipend, furnished housing, travel expenses, insurance, and even German language lessons. Artists are free to focus on their craft without production pressure, fostering groundbreaking work through transdisciplinary exchanges. The program’s daadgalerie in Kreuzberg serves as a creative hub, hosting exhibitions and events that amplify fellows’ reach globally.
2. Künstlerhaus Bethanien International Studio Programme
Renowned for its supportive environment, Künstlerhaus Bethanien hosts up to 25 artists yearly for residencies ranging from three months to a year. This program offers a bursary covering living costs, studio space, materials, and an Open Studio event where artists showcase their work to curators and journalists. Located in Berlin’s lively art district, it encourages dialogue between diverse disciplines and the public, making it a rite of passage for emerging talents. The inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine adds significant visibility. 
3. ZK/U Berlin Residency Program
ZK/U Berlin provides a platform for artists, scholars, and practitioners to explore urban themes through a cross-disciplinary lens. With flexible residency durations, fellows organize their schedules while engaging in weekly dinners, monthly studio visits, and bi-monthly OPENHAUS events to share their work. The program offers live/work studios, access to local networks, and support for public projects, fostering long-term collaborations. Its focus on Berlin’s urban narrative makes it a compelling choice for socially engaged creatives.
4. SomoS Berlin International Artist Residency
SomoS offers a nurturing space for artists, researchers, and writers, with residencies typically lasting three months (extendable to 12). Located in the bustling Kreuzberg-Neukölln area, it provides furnished live/work studios, curatorial support, group critiques, and access to a growing art equipment pool. While the program fee is €1,550 per month starting July 2025, SomoS assists with funding applications and integrates residents into Berlin’s cultural landscape through exhibitions and events, ideal for those seeking production-focused growth.
5. coGalleries Artist Residency Berlin
coGalleries provides a 160-square-meter studio loft in Berlin’s gallery district, offering 24/7 access for residencies that culminate in solo exhibitions or studio presentations. Open to painters, sculptors, photographers, and more, this program emphasizes networking with curators and art professionals, supported by high-speed internet and shared resources. Its proximity to the Haubrok Collection and other creative hubs enhances exposure, making it a valuable opportunity for artists aiming to break into the market.
Why These Residencies Matter
These Berlin residencies offer more than just space—they provide financial support, professional development, and a chance to immerse in one of the world’s most innovative art scenes. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established name, they facilitate connections with international networks, exhibitions, and critical feedback, boosting your career in 2025’s competitive landscape.
How to Apply
Check each program’s website for 2025 deadlines and requirements, often opening in spring or early summer. Prepare a strong portfolio and project proposal tailored to the residency’s focus, and explore funding options like arts councils or embassies if fees apply. At Artinfoland, we’re here to guide you—stay tuned for updates on these opportunities.
Berlin’s art residencies are gateways to creativity and success. Seize the chance to elevate your practice in this inspiring city!
