Organizer Information
The Münchner Stadtmuseum, founded in 1888, is Germany’s largest municipal museum. Its Photography Collection, established in 1963, is one of Europe’s leading institutions for the medium, housing over three million items, including archives, technical equipment, and a specialized library of 25,000 volumes. The museum is currently undergoing a comprehensive €270 million renovation scheduled for completion around June 2031.
Title & Description
Artists on Photography Fellowship.
This new initiative seeks to bridge historical archival holdings with contemporary perspectives in fields such as gender theory and postcolonialism. Awarded annually over five years (2025–2030), the fellowship brings together one artist and one academic researcher to collaborate on a specific theme. The project explores the evolution of photography from 19th-century objects to modern AI-generated images. The collaboration results in a new work of art, a joint publication, and a future exhibition.
Categories
Photography, Visual Arts, Academic Research, Art History, Gender Theory, Postcolonial Studies.
Eligibility
- Artists: Must have an existing archival practice using found footage or collections.
- Researchers: Professional academics or researchers capable of producing a scholarly essay.
- General: Open to international applicants of all ages. Candidates must be professionals who have previously exhibited work or participated in projects.
- Selection: Artists and researchers apply independently and are paired by the institution.
Program Benefits and Awards
- For Artists:
- €12,000 Grant for a one-year project duration.
- €10,000 Production Budget for new work.
- Travel/Accommodation costs covered for up to three research visits to Munich.
- Exhibition in 2031 and potential external venues.
- For Researchers:
- €4,000 Writing Fee for a scientific examination.
- €2,000 Fee for conducting an optional artist interview.
- Travel/Accommodation costs covered for research stays.
- Shared: Collaborative publication, access to one of Europe’s largest photography collections, and professional networking/publicity events.
Fees
- Application Fee: None mentioned.
Application Requirements
- Artists:
- Proposal for a new work based on the collection.
- Reference project (existing archive-based work).
- CV including exhibitions and publications.
- 10 "mood images".
- Researchers:
- Statement of interest in the "Travel and Souvenir Albums" theme.
- Sample published text (max 10 pages) in English or German.
- CV including a list of publications.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted to the Münchner Stadtmuseum. Candidates should refer to the exemplary selection of images on the museum's website when drafting their proposals.
Key Dates
- Project Start: March 2025.
- Duration: One year (Fellowships awarded annually through 2030).
- Future Exhibition: Scheduled for 2031.
Location
Germany, Munich (Münchner Stadtmuseum).
Additional Details
The resulting artwork becomes part of the Münchner Stadtmuseum Photography Collection. While participants are not expected to work exclusively on the project, they must attend up to three research visits in Munich.