What can I expect from an Artist-in-Residence programme in Germany?

Artist-in-Residence programmes can differ a lot. Different residencies offers different types of experiences, depending on the duration of your stay, the location of the host organisation, its support to individual artists, etc. In Germany you can find a multitude of offers, from a quiet artist retreat in a rural environment to a busy arts organisation located in city centre area. We highly recommend to ask yourself first what type of residence programme you are looking for before shortlisting suitable organisations. If possible try to organise your stay in Germany in conjunction with some time to travel. Public transport offers many ways of discovering the diversity of the country and we recommend to consider also lesser-known areas or cities in order to get a real taste of Germany.

How do I apply for a German arts residency?

In general, you apply directly with the organisation you are interested in. Please keep in mind that application procedures and deadlines differ considerably, therefore be sure to know how much time in advance you need to apply for a particular programme. Most artist-in-residence programmes open to international applicants have an English version of their website or a summary page describing the programmes and application processes in English.

Are the residencies and organisations featured on your website any better than the rest?

We showcase five organisations/programmes both in Ireland and Germany in order to give you an idea of the variety of artist residencies available. We know a few of the featured organisations through previous cooperations and projects. However, this list is by no means exclusive and we will rotate the selection on a regular basis. Therefore please research your favourite organisations and programmes rather than limiting yourself to our selection.

Where can I find further information about Artist-in-Residence programmes in Germany?

Germany offers a multitude of artist-in-residence programmes. The Goethe-Institut has put together a number of listings to give you a first overview: Artist-in-Residence programmes for visual artists Artist-in-Residence programmes for musicians and composers Artist-in-Residence programmes for theatre and dance In addition, the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen has compiled the ‘Artguide Germany’ with valuable information for artists and curators interested in the German arts scenes. Also, international databases for artist-in-residence programmes offer information about residencies in Germany: Res Artis TransArtis

Can the Goethe-Institut Irland help me with my application for a residency in Germany?

We hope that our information service on this website will give you access to organisations and contacts supporting your application process. Unfortunately we are not able offer any individual support with programme research or applications. However, once you have been successful with your application, we would like to hear about it and share any public event your residence offers with your readership. Public events and activities will be featured in our Irish-German artist-in-residence agenda.

Does the Goethe-Institut Irland offer financial support to Irish artists going to a residency in Germany?

The Goethe-Institut Irland cannot offer any financial support to artist selected for a residency programme. However, many host organisations in Germany offer a weekly/monthly allowance to successful candidates and/or travel expenses can be covered. The good news is that the cost of living in Germany is slightly lower than in Ireland. You can also consider the Arts Council’s Travel and Training Award Scheme .

What official documents do I require before going to Germany?

In order to travel to Germany you require a valid passport but as an EU citizen there is no need for an entry visa or travel permit. It is strongly advised to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling to Germany. This card replaces the E111 form and entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as German nationals. The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and does not cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. You can apply for an EHIC online. Further information and advice about travelling to Germany is available on the Embassy of Ireland in Germany ’s website.

How can I organise my journey to my residency in Germany?

There are many ways to travel to Germany, the easiest and quickest is by plane. A number of Irish and German airlines offer direct connections to Germany, serving some of the major airports like Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Köln, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich. Once in Germany, you can choose between Deutsche Bahn rail services (website in English) or a growing number of bus services, operated by a number of different companies. You can search all existing bus connections on busliniensuche.de (only in German). Travelling by train is quite common in Germany and although tickets can be pricy there are few cheap options to get around . Generally speaking, public transport in Germany is quite reliable and regular, in particular in urban centres. Please note that many cities have entered so-called “Verkehrsverbünde” (regional transport associations), linking local train services, trams, busses etc. These allow interconnecting journeys at low prices. Don’t be surprised to see confusing transport maps with different sectors (fare stages or “combs”), if in doubt look for the relevant online journey planer or ask someone to help you planning your trip.

Artist-in-Residence Programmes

A studio space as well as an exchange with other artists from all around the world – this is what an artist can expect as an Artist in Residence. Every year artists leave their homes to spend time in a different country and culture and return with new ideas and inspiration.

What requirements are to be met and how to apply can be found in this overview of German and Irish artists’ houses. However, we do not recommend these organisations more than others, on the contrary, we encourage you to research further residency programmes in Ireland and Germany suitable to your interest and needs.

We also talked to artists after their residencies and asked them about their experiences.

Frequently asked questions

Artist-in-Residencies in Germany

PACT Zollverein / Choreographisches Zentrum NRW

The Artist-in-Residence scheme is open to professional international artist in the areas of dance, performance, media and sound art. Residencies will be arranged to match the individual’s or group’s interests and needs.

The artist Delia Baillie at work at a desk in a studio

HALLE 14 – Zentrum für zeitgenössische Kunst Leipzig

HALLE 14 offers professional international artists the possibility to apply for the combined bursary/residence programme or simply for a residency.

Künstlerhaus Dortmund

International visual artists can apply for the "Artist-in-Residence" programme. Residencies always take place from mid July till August, and last from 4 to 6 weeks each.

Stiftung Künstlerdorf Schöppingen

The foundation Stiftung Künstlerdorf Schöppingen invites international writers, visual artists, artists in the field of new media and interdisciplinary projects as well as composers.

Exterior View of Schloss Balmoral in Rheinland-Pfalz

Künstlerhaus Schloss Balmoral

Schloss Balmoral offers international visual artists residency stipends for the duration of 3 or 9 months. Each year applications are sought in the context of a particular discipline or area of interest within the visual arts (in 2015: Dada).