DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program 2028 (Fully-Funded)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a fully funded DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program 2028. This golden opportunity provides time and space to outstanding international artists in the fields of film, literature, music, and sound. The program helps artists concentrate on their creative practice, free from any production duties. Applications for the residency cycle will be open to international artists on November 15, 2026.

The Artists-in-Berlin Program aims to promote gender equality and to integrate diverse viewpoints. The program participants are encouraged to actively participate in Berlin’s and Germany’s thriving cultural scenes and with other local communities. Approximately 20 exceptional practitioners from various ethnic backgrounds receive invitations to Berlin annually.

The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program has significantly promoted the globalization of contemporary arts in Germany throughout its existence. At this particular juncture in history, they believe they must demonstrate a clear commitment to promoting equality of access, visibility, and resources through their institutional practice, without evaluating creative viewpoints on the Western arts and culture system and its market.

Brief Details

• Organized by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Host Country: Berlin, Germany
• Application Start: November 15, 2026
• Application Deadline: 15 December 2026 (3:59 CET)
• Program Duration: 6 to 12 Months
• Number of Opportunities: 20
• Eligible Nations: All
• Categories:

1. 1. 1. Film
      2. Music and Sound
      3. Visual Arts
      4. Literature
      5. Collectives

Who Can apply?

To be eligible for the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Outstanding international artists in visual arts, film, literature, or music & sound.
• Established artists with a distinct voice and recognized work.
• No age limit and no academic background required.
• Must critically engage with historical or contemporary issues, not just aesthetics.
• Applications accepted only for: film, literature, and music & sound.
• Visual arts category: by nomination only, not open for direct application.
• The program receives hundreds of applications; only a limited number of fellowships are available.
• Reapplication allowed at any time.
• Applicants must agree to the program’s guiding principles.

Who Is Not Eligible to Apply?

• Emerging artists who are still in school or have just finished their education (except doctoral students).
• German nationals, including dual nationals, unless they have lived abroad for at least 6 years.
• Artists living mainly in Germany, unless they moved there within 15 months before the deadline.
• Visual arts applicants (since it’s nomination-based).
• Former alumni of the Artists-in-Berlin Program.

Applicants must provide: Three work samples for jury review (up to five for Visual Arts nominees).

Benefits included in DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program fellowship grants include

Monthly grant installments cover living and rent expenditures.

Offering a fully equipped apartment.

Expenses for air travel and luggage (regular airline, economy class), as well as for a spouse and any minor children who will be staying in Berlin for the duration of the invitation.

If necessary, health, accident, and long-term care insurance (contributions are deductible from the monthly grant).

German language instruction (optional)

Invitation for family members (spouse and children) and an apartment for accommodation and travel expenses.

Can I bring my family during the fellowship?

The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program is a family-friendly institution. The invitation also applies to your spouse, registered partner, and/or children up to the age of eighteen, provided they also reside in Berlin for the entire fellowship period.

If this is the case, a large enough apartment will be provided. Travel expenses are also reimbursed for family members. There are various international schools in Berlin for school-age children.

Unfortunately, depending on your country of origin, it may still be challenging to obtain a visa for your partner if you are unable to provide legal documentation of your partnership—e.g., as may be the case with domestic or same-sex partnerships.

Candidates can apply online. Please remember that applications for the 2028 residency intake will open on November 15, 2026. Stay updated on the application details and required documents.

Applications for Film, Music & Sound, and Literature open in mid-October and close in mid-December. Applicants must complete two online steps:

Personal data form

Application form

Film, Music & Sound and Literature applicants can access the application portal during the application period. Visual Arts nominees receive a private application link and a separate deadline but must complete the same two-step process.

A preview PDF of the application form is available online. Since the selection process has multiple stages, all submitted links must remain accessible until August of the following year. Email submissions are not accepted.

Portfolio Submission

After submitting the personal data form, applicants receive a personalized link to the application form.

You may upload one PDF (max. 15MB) containing materials such as a CV, work documentation, full texts, scores, or reviews. Optimize files for screen viewing when possible.

Applicants must provide

Three work samples for jury review (up to five for Visual Arts nominees).

Links to online work or additional materials that exceed the upload limit.

Important requirements

Applications without work samples or portfolio links will not be considered.

Clearly credit all collaborators.

Ensure all links remain active until August of the following year.

Include passwords for any protected links.

Field-Specific Requirements

Film: Submit links to one full film and up to three excerpts (max. 5 minutes each), with subtitles and synopses. Only Vimeo or YouTube links are accepted; trailers are not.

Literature: Submit up to three published books. Manuscripts and online-only publications are not accepted.

Music & Sound: Submit links to recordings, videos, or audiovisual works. Supporting materials such as scores or descriptions may be included in the PDF.

Visual Arts: Submit three to five representative works via portfolio materials or online links.

Secure file-sharing platforms such as Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, Vimeo, YouTube, and SoundCloud may be used for hosting materials. Applicants are responsible for managing and maintaining access to their files.

Apply Here

Please refer to DAAD’s official website for more details about the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program.

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