Organizer Information
Culterim is a dynamic Berlin-based arts organization founded by Fred Unruh, serving as a hub for independent visual artists through its Culterim Studios community. Established to nurture creative growth amid the challenges of freelance artistry, it provides affordable studio spaces, residencies, and innovative programs that bridge theory, practice, and professional networks. Fred Unruh, the Head of Class, brings a wealth of experience as co-founder of the Berlin art collective Studio Huette, where he has curated exhibitions across Germany, Switzerland, and France. He recently led the Culterim Residency Programme in Dahlewitz (2023–2024) and is in his final year at Kunsthochschule Berlin-Weißensee while auditing classes at Universität der Künste. Drawing from his background in sociology and psychology studied in Mannheim and Istanbul, Unruh designs programs that foster not just technical skills but also communal dialogue and resilience. Culterim embodies Berlin’s vibrant, experimental art scene, offering a supportive ecosystem for artists to experiment, reflect, and connect—much like Unruh’s own journey from academic inquiry to curatorial leadership—ultimately empowering participants to navigate the art world’s complexities with confidence and camaraderie.
Title & Description
Culterim | Independent Class (Bildende Kunst)
This immersive semester-long program invites 12–15 visual artists to deepen their practice in a structured yet flexible environment blending peer critique, skill-building, and cultural immersion. The purpose is to cultivate artistic evolution through dedicated studio time, theoretical explorations of contemporary art, and hands-on professional development, culminating in a collaboratively curated group exhibition. Themes revolve around experimentation, self-presentation, and community integration, encouraging participants to confront creative blocks, refine their voices, and engage Berlin’s dynamic art landscape via excursions to galleries, project spaces, and artist talks. Artists will create and iterate on personal projects while gaining tools for freelance success—like portfolio curation, marketing strategies, and exhibition production—experiencing transformative shifts in perspective through guided dialogues. Inspired by Unruh’s residency model, the class transforms Culterim Studios into a living laboratory of ideas, where vulnerability in exchange sparks innovation and lasting networks.
Categories
Visual Arts (Bildende Kunst), encompasses all mediums and approaches, including painting, sculpture, installation, drawing, printmaking, digital media, and interdisciplinary experimentation.
Eligibility
Open internationally to visual artists of all experience levels and backgrounds, with capacity for 12–15 participants per semester. No age restrictions apply, but applicants must demonstrate a commitment to independent practice. Strong proficiency in German or English is required, as sessions alternate between both languages. International applicants should apply early to accommodate visa processing or external funding applications; no formal degree prerequisite, emphasizing potential for growth within a communal setting.
Program Benefits & Awards
Participants gain a 15–20 m² dedicated atelier in Culterim Studios for the full semester, equipped with essentials and extended for two post-exhibition months at a reduced fee. The program offers weekly sessions with Fred Unruh, including group critiques, individual consultations, guest lectures, and workshops on practical skills like self-marketing and exhibition logistics. Excursions to Berlin’s art venues provide networking with curators, gallerists, and peers, while the capstone group show—fully supported in planning, curation, and production—ensures public exposure. Additional perks include integration into the Culterim community for ongoing Studio Talks, discounts on exhibition spaces, and access to shared resources. Though no cash awards are offered, the holistic benefits—professional toolkit enhancement, exhibition opportunity, and sustained studio access—propel career trajectories in a competitive scene.
Application Fee
No application fee; however, accepted participants pay a participation fee of 500 EUR per month (VAT-exempt under German tax law § 4 Nr. (21) a) bb) UStG), totalling 2,500 EUR for the five-month semester. This covers the full curriculum, excursions, guest contributions, exhibition production, anda fixed atelier space. Payment details are outlined in the acceptance letter, with options for installments possible upon request.
Application Requirements
- Online application form submitted via the website’s “Apply here!” button, including basic contact information, artistic background summary, and motivation for joining (approximately 300–500 words).
- Portfolio of recent work: 10–15 images or short video clips (under 10MB total, JPEG/MP4) with descriptions, dates, and media details.
- CV or professional bio (1–2 pages, PDF) highlighting relevant experience, exhibitions, and education.
- Optional: Letter of intent or references to support thematic alignment with the program’s experimental ethos.
Selections prioritize artistic curiosity, collaborative potential, and language readiness, followed by a 20–30 minute online interview for shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted online through the dedicated portal on the Culterim website. Click the “Apply here!” button to access the form, upload materials, and submit. Expect a response within 7 days; shortlisted applicants proceed to a virtual interview. Final decisions and invitations follow within another 7 days. Early submission is advised for international logistics. The application link is: https://www.culterim.de/culterim-class-open-call (direct form embedded; ongoing intake until filled).
Key Dates
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Winter Semester 2025/26: Starts October 13, 2025; Exhibition build-up February 3–5, 2026; Exhibition February 6–8, 2026; Breakdown February 9, 2026; Ends February 28, 2026.
Summer Semester 2026: Starts April 7, 2026; Exhibition August 1–3, 2026; Ends August 31, 2026.
Location
Waldstraße, Berlin-Reinickendorf, Germany
Additional Details
The program schedule alternates weekly formats: group talks, individual feedback, theoretical inputs (e.g., writing workshops), practical sessions (e.g., portfolio development), and excursions to exhibitions or studios. Culterim emphasizes a non-hierarchical environment where artists co-create the class dynamic, drawing from Unruh’s curatorial philosophy of “cultivated perspective shifts.” Participants must commit to full attendance for communal synergy. For visa holders, proof of funding may be required; external scholarships like those from DAAD are compatible. Contact info@culterim.de for queries. This class not only hones skills but builds a supportive network, mirroring Berlin’s ethos of resilient, dialogue-driven artistry.
Website Link: https://www.culterim.de/culterim-class-open-call
