The spacious exhibition space where the SomoS Berlin Curatorial Residency projects are presented features high ceilings, moveable walls and abundant natural light. Photo: Zack SoltesInternational Goethe Institute curators visit SomoS, June 2016 (Photo: Bea Rodrigues)Center for Creative Activism at SomoS Art House 2015Global Diplomacy Lab at SomoS 2016
Curator Noor Bhangu and SomoS staff installing her exhibition “Digitalia” as part of her SomoS Berlin Curatorial Residency.
SomoS Berlin International Curatorial Residency
Create an exhibition in Berlin at the SomoS Curatorial Residency!
The SomoS Berlin Curatorial Residency provides the opportunity for curators to research and execute an exhibition project in Berlin at the SomoS exhibition space with the active support of experienced local exhibition organizers. You will join an active artistic community at SomoS, living and working alongside the resident artists. Your exhibition project will be incorporated in the active exhibition program at SomoS, named one of the best art spaces in Berlin by Artslant Magazine.
The focus of the curatorial residency lies on the practical experience in conceptualizing, planning, strategizing, selecting, researching, mounting, installing and publicizing exhibition projects and artistic representations. During the Curatorial Residency, SomoS offers participants living accommodation and coworking space to fully develop their own ideas along with the guidance and daily support of our experienced staff. Furthermore, Curators-in-Residence have free access to all general workshops, artist talks, screenings, exhibitions, and other regular events taking place at SomoS.
At the conclusion of the working period, the Curator-in-Residence is enabled to realize a public exhibition. For their exhibition project, SomoS provides curatorial support, production assistance, as well as promotion, community network, and artist database. This final presentation will take place in the spacious SomoS gallery in the framework of our official exhibition program.
Applications for SomoS Berlin International Curatorial Residency are accepted for 2023/24. Inquiries for specific periods are welcome and residents will be accepted on a rolling basis. Early bird and full-payment discounts are offered.
What we offer
– accommodation for the duration of the residency
– exhibition space to produce a one-week exhibition at the end of the residency period
– production assistance and curatorial support (installation, promotion, flyer/poster design & print, publicity etc.,)
– coworking space/office facilities
– practical experience in conceptualizing, planning, strategizing, selecting, mounting, installing, publicizing
– exclusive opportunity to produce your own exhibition
– a chance to fully develop your own ideas along with the guidance of experienced Berlin-based curators
– regular meetings to check on progress and provide feedback
– assistance in funding research and application
Requirements
– ability to work independently
– clearly conceived concept
– highly motivated, self-directed individuals
– at least two previous exhibitions (individually or as part of a team)
– 1-2 years of study in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience
– funding should be secured in advance of the payment deadline
We are open to applicants from all backgrounds and actively encourage applicants from developing countries.
Apply
SomoS accepts both institutional and private applications.
All applicants for the SomoS Berlin Curatorial Residency are requested to provide the following materials:
– motivational cover letter
– a description of the specific project proposal for the period of their residency, maximum 500 words.
– project timeline listing the main goals to be accomplished and plans to execute your exhibition concept
– proposed dates of the Curatorial Residency
– a link to the curator’s website
– an up-to-date CV
– a portfolio in pdf format
Fees & Funding
From January 2023, the fee is 1.450€ per month. Fees are evaluated on a yearly basis.
Support Discounts
During these difficult times for creatives, we offer two discounts:
Early Bird Discount:
An “early bird” reservation discount of 5% for bookings of the SomoS Berlin Curatorial Residency (agreement signed and reservation fee paid) made at least 6 months before arrival.
Full Fees Payment Discount:
A full fee payment discount of 10%, reserved for participants that make the full payment of the program fee directly after being accepted into the program.
Interested curators are advised to seek funding well in advance from sponsors/subsidizing organizations. Below you will find a list of funding opportunities for scholarships, stipends, fellowships, travel grants etc. which your country offers. If selected for a residency, we can provide you with an official declaration of admittance and letter of support.
Where curators can find information on residency/research/travel funding:
Coronavirus restrictions have been lifted in Berlin. Participants in any of our physical programs are responsible for making sure that they have proper health insurance. European Union citizens can do so by obtaining an EU Health Insurance Card. Non-EU citizens must arrange for their own health insurance. SomoS can advise in arranging this, but will not be financially responsible for the costs. (Residents are advised to take out liability insurance as well.)
SomoS is situated on the first floor of a 1890’s mixed residential/commercial building at a lively main street near Kottbusser Tor; a renovated former “Konzertcafe” and cinema complex in the middle of the vibrant cosmopolitan creative area connecting the Kreuzberg and Neukoelln areas close to the city center Berlin-Mitte. Within walking distance are numerous cafes/restaurants/clubs, art spaces, galleries and art institutions like Künstlerhaus Bethanien, the BBK Print Facilities and Media Studios, Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien, and NGBK. The U-Bahnhof Schönleinstrasse (subway line U8) is right at the doorstep, as is the N8 Nightbus stop. It is a 200 meter walk from U-Bahnhof Kottbusser Tor (subway line U1).
