Residency Program for Artists in Exile in Berlin

The project calls upon international artists in exile who live in Berlin and seek a place for artistic production. The initiative HIER & JETZT:Connections defines exile as the involuntary loss of one’s social context and working environment in their country of origin for an uncertain period of time.

The project is complemented by a series of lectures, workshops, and discussions held by artists, experts, and researchers in order to create a space for dialogue, mutual learning and understanding.

Successful applicants are invited to work at B.L.O. Ateliers in Berlin for a period of three months. Additionally, a budget of 500 € is offered to each resident or group for production costs.

The artist initiative HIER & JETZT:Connections (HUJ:C) was launched by artists of B.L.O. Ateliers in 2017. HUJ:C is an exchange and residency program for artists in exile that emphasizes communication and reciprocity of artistic practices, while addressing current cultural and social questions.

Over the course of the last five years the program has grown into a cross-cultural network composed of founding members, previous HUJ:C artist residents and collaborators. The group continues to meet regularly to collaborate and support one another’s artistic production.

The project HIER & JETZT:Connections is funded through the integration funds of the Bezirksamt Lichtenberg, Fachbereich Kunst und Kultur (Cultural Office of Berlin City District Lichtenberg, Art and Culture Department).

Since 2003, B.L.O. Ateliers (located in Berlin-Lichtenberg) has offered workshop space and studios to a vast variety of international artists and makers. About 80 people work at B.L.O., among which include: visual artists, musicians, photographers, blacksmiths and special effects technicians. B.L.O. engages the public through concerts, workshops, film screenings, lectures, theater and exhibitions.

Programme Details

This open call is primarily addressed to visual artists who work in the fields of installation, painting, sculpture, media art, performance and photography. Applications from artists groups are welcome.

Artists who apply must either live in Berlin or find their own accommodations in the city, for the duration of their residency. HUJ:C does not provide housing.

From April through December, 2022, a 60m² studio is offered as working space for a period of three months free of charge. Additionally, a budget of 500 € is offered to each resident or group for production costs.

During the residency, artists are asked to hold a public presentations of their work (artist talk & open studio) and to participate in the project’s extended program.

Selected artists are expected to work in the studio for at least 2/3 of their residency period. Please consider your travel plans and work schedule before applying. The studio will remain open through the duration of the pandemic; artists will have access to the studio 24 hours per day, including during lock-downs and fluctuating COVID-19 related circumstances (in accordance with the current regulations).

The residency periods are

• April 1st – June 30th
• July 1st – September 30th
• October 1st – December 31st

Application

The deadline for application is on 13 February 2022, Sunday. The requested materials should be sent to [email protected]

1. Letter of Intention: max. 1 page
   • File Name: intention_yourName (.pdf), max 5MB
   • The letter of intention should address the following topics: how you relate to the term ‘exile’, why you think you are a good candidate for the HUJ:C residency, and how you plan to use the studio.
2. Portfolio / Work Examples: max. 10 pages
   • File Name: portfolio_yourName (.pdf), max 5MB
3. CV, Biography: max. 2 pages
   • File Name: cv_yourName (.pdf), max 5MB
4. Artist Statement: max. 1 page
   • File Name: statement_yourName (.pdf), max 5MB
5. Application Form (please fill in the form and send as .pdf document)

Visit the website of HUJ:C for the open call, and contact [email protected] for any questions.