Sound / Music Residencies in Germany

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.

Fleetstreet

Hamburg, Germany

The Fleetstreet Theater in Hamburg offers a unique residency program designed for artist groups working across disciplines, particularly in the performing arts, visual arts, film, and music. Established in partnership with the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the Hamburg Cultural Foundation, and the Rudolf Augstein Foundation, this residency supports young artist groups with limited financial means who are eager to develop and present experimental projects. The residency includes access to the Fleetstreet Theater and a nearby residential studio with three rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom, making it both a living and working space for residents. Each group receives €3,000 per month to cover project expenses, and the entire theater is made available exclusively to them during their residency. The program emphasizes research, experimentation, and innovative presentation formats, allowing artists to explore new strategies and work processes in a highly independent environment. Residencies typically last one month, with longer stays available under specific circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

TAKT

Berlin; Leipzig; Zeitz, Germany

TAKT Artist Residency is an independent arts organization based in Berlin, Germany, known for fostering the growth and exchange of artists internationally. Founded in 2007, it operates in the tranquil Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, a hub of artistic activity and cultural exchange. The residency offers various programs, including artist-led critiques, studio visits, and German language classes, aimed at enriching the participants' experience. Artists benefit from both structured programs and the freedom to explore personal projects, culminating in a group exhibition. TAKT supports a diverse range of disciplines from visual arts to literature, promoting a vibrant creative environment. The residency aims to integrate artists into the local art scene, providing them with the tools and community needed to expand their practice.

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.