Idea
Residency Themes
Residencies in Berlin under the “What’s next?” initiative will revolve around two main themes: “rethinking solidarity in Europe” and “artists’ mental well-being.” We encourage residents to explore the potential connections between these seemingly distant topics. The goal is to experiment, collaborate, exchange ideas, and investigate how art can foster micro-utopian interactions to promote solidarity in the face of ongoing global crises.
Participants
We invite six artists and one curator, researcher, or cultural manager to spend time in Berlin from February to April 2024. To bridge any gaps between artists who may not meet during the residency, the curator/researcher/culture manager will partner with a local curator to facilitate connections.
Collaborative Approach
At zusa, we value collaboration, trust-building through collective learning, and a do-it-together mentality. The zusa team will work with residents to explore collaboration tools and methods, aiming to form an informal international artistic group that embraces experimentation and learning from failures.
Activities
During the residencies, artists and cultural professionals will maintain reflection diaries on the residency’s theme. The diary format is open, allowing for notes, sketches, short videos, sound recordings, and more. Residents will also organize two small-scale meetings/events for artists, culture managers, researchers, and friends associated with AiR zusa, zusa, and MitOst networks. The event format will be determined collectively, with content related to the residency themes and the overarching “What’s next?” concept, supported by the zusa team.
Support
Residents will have networking opportunities within Berlin’s local cultural scene and access to mental health support, including individual sessions and group circles, a core part of zusa’s residency program. They can also take a break in nature in Brandenburg.
Eligibility
The residency is open to artists and cultural professionals from European countries, with a focus on Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Austria, and Germany. Priority will be given to visual arts, architecture, music, and literature disciplines, but other disciplines may also be considered. We welcome applications from people of all ages, religions, genders, and sexual identities.
Timeline
The call for residencies is open until October 26, 2023. Results will be announced by December 2023. The first residencies commence in February 2024. Selection will be based on portfolios and motivation to join the residency, evaluated by external professionals from the zusa network, a “What’s next” consortium representative, and the AiR zusa program coordinator.
- Artists: 1 month (6 places)
- Curator/Researcher/Cultural Manager: 2 months (1 place)
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of 1000 EUR
- Accommodation (individual room) in Berlin
- Travel cost reimbursement (up to 200 EUR)
- Supportive and safe work environment
- Access to our network (Berlin & international)
- Option to bring family (with travel costs covered by the resident; additional fellowship available)
Topics
Themes include solidarity in Europe, well-being as a force for change, mental health of cultural professionals, and collaboration.
Contact
For inquiries, please contact the AiR zusa team: Adina (constantin@zusaculture.org) or Kasia (zielinska@zusaculture.org).
