Recherchestipendien
Research Stipends
Professional artists and curators in Berlin working in visual arts may apply for research stipends to support self-directed research projects, artistic development, and curatorial work.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- annual cycle, check dates
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- Research stipend (amount varies by year; in 2023, 137 stipends were awarded from a total budget of €1,096,000)
- Location
- Berlin
About
Overview
The Research Stipends (Recherchestipendien) support the artistic and curatorial development of professional artists and curators in Berlin's visual arts sector. Introduced in 2015 by bbk berlin and the Coalition of the Free Scene, these grants enable recipients to pursue self-directed research projects and artistic exploration.
Target Group and Goals
The stipends are intended for professional artists and curators (individuals or groups) in the visual arts in Berlin who have demonstrated professional accomplishment through their prior work. Support focuses on enabling artistic and curatorial development through self-directed research on specific themes, project development, exploration of new techniques, completion of works, or documentation and publication activities.
Award Criteria
Awards are based primarily on the quality of the applicant's prior artistic work and the quality of the proposed research project.
Recent Funding History
Since its introduction, the number of stipends has fluctuated: approximately 60 were awarded in 2015; by 2022, 82 went to visual artists and 18 to curators; in 2023, 137 stipends were awarded from a budget of €1,096,000; in 2024, 79 stipends were awarded (68 for artists, 11 for curators), representing a 40% reduction; as of 2025, applications are available annually rather than on a two-year cycle.
Further Information
For complete details, visit Senatsverwaltung für Kultur und Gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt: Förderprogramme Bildende Kunst.
- Award
- Research stipend (amount varies by year; in 2023, 137 stipends were awarded from a total budget of €1,096,000)
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Theme
- This stipend supports artistic and curatorial development through self-directed research projects, including research or preparatory work on specific themes, project development, exploration of new techniques, continuation or completion of certain works, or documentation and publication activities.
- Eligibility
- Professional artists and curators (individuals or groups) in the visual arts working in Berlin who have demonstrated professional accomplishment through their work.
- Audience
- Professional artists and curators working individually or in groups in the visual arts in Berlin
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.