Photography Residencies in Germany

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.

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.

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.

KHB Kunsthalle Below

Below, Germany

KHB Kunsthalle Below offers a unique artist residency program called "Minimal Travel" situated in the idyllic rural area of Below, close to nature and simplicity. The program encourages artists from diverse disciplines and professional backgrounds to explore their creativity in a communal setting, emphasizing environmental consciousness and minimal travel. The residencies provide various accommodations, including circus wagons and simple chambers, fostering an intimate and creative environment. Artists engage in self-directed projects with opportunities for collaboration and communal activities like shared meals and a final public exhibition. The program aims to blend artistic exploration with discussions on minimalism and community living, inviting both new and professional artists.

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.

Passage

Dübener Heide, Germany

The “Passage” Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program, organized by the Kultur- und Kunstverein Kemberg e.V. and Polygona Kunstverein e.V., offers temporary working residencies for artists in the fields of photography and film. This residency takes place in the Dübener Heide region, a historically and ecologically significant area in Germany, providing artists with an opportunity to engage with themes of structural change and environmental transformation. The program hosts two artists annually, including one spot specifically for a female artist who is also a mother. Artists are encouraged to use their residency period for research or results-oriented work, culminating in a public exhibition and an artist talk. Additionally, artists are required to conduct a two-day workshop for young people, fostering interaction between the community and the artists.

Pilotenkueche

Leipzig, Germany

Pilotenkueche, located in Leipzig, Germany, is an international art program offering a unique residency for artists from around the globe. Set in a romantically refurbished old metalworks studio, it features a 465m² communal space with 24/7 access, designed to inspire creative exchange. The program accommodates about twelve international artists per round, each receiving a private studio and shared amenities like a kitchen. Pilotenkueche emphasizes collaboration and research-based art practices, fostering a dynamic community among residents. The residency includes regular cultural excursions, studio visits, and artist presentations in Leipzig. Artists also participate in preview exhibitions, open studios, and a final group exhibition. The program provides logistical and technical support, nurturing professional artistic development. Pilotenkueche's unique environment, combined with its diverse program, makes it a hub for artistic innovation and cultural immersion.

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.

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.

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.