Organizer Information
The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (German Research Centre for Geosciences) is Germany’s national Earth science research institution and a member of the Helmholtz Association. Established with a mission to deepen understanding of Earth system processes — such as climate change, natural hazards, and planetary dynamics — GFZ conducts broad geoscientific research and operates global observation infrastructures. It is based in Potsdam, Germany and collaborates internationally with research and policy partners.
This
residency is jointly organized alongside the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program and the City of Potsdam, and is hosted within the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at GFZ — an interdisciplinary institute that brings together researchers from science, society, and the arts to explore sustainability transitions.
Title & Description
Planetary Transitions Artist Residency in Potsdam 2026 is an open call for international artists to undertake a
fellowship that investigates intersections between artistic practice and sustainability research. The residency invites creative responses and work that engage deeply with contemporary socio-ecological issues — such as climate justice, resource use, mobility, digitalisation, democracy, and planetary futures.
Participants are expected to contribute to interdisciplinary dialogue between art, science, policy, and civil society. The
residency spans four to six months (starting mid-2026) and is structured to integrate artists into the RIFS Fellow Programme, enabling collaboration with scientific research groups and immersion in sustainability topics.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Performance
- Film & Media Art
- Literature
- Music & Sound Art
- Interdisciplinary / Cross-disciplinary Practices
… essentially open to artists across disciplines as long as the work engages with the residency’s thematic scope.
Eligibility
- International applicants, regardless of nationality.
- Individuals active in any artistic field (from visual arts to performance, writing, film, music, etc.).
- Artists with strong portfolios, creative practices, and a genuine interest in sustainability research.
- Group or collective applications are welcome, though financial support per fellowship is limited.
- Proficiency in English (for research engagement and reporting) is expected.
Program Benefits & Awards
Participants receive comprehensive support, including:
- Monthly stipend of €2,500 (EUR).
- Travel stipend covering a return journey to Potsdam from the applicant’s home country.
- Up to €5,000 in housing support for accommodation costs during residency.
- Assistance with visa and legal requirements.
- Opportunities for public presentation of work during or at the end of the residency.
- Integration into GFZ/RIFS research environments and interdisciplinary networks.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
All application materials must be submitted as separate PDF files (each ≤5 MB) in English:
- Letter of Motivation (up to 2 pages) — Explanation of motivation, research alignment, and preferred RIFS research group.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV, up to 2 pages) — Key career steps and relevant experience.
- Portfolio (up to 20 pages) — Images, documentation, links to work online.
- Project Proposal (up to 10 pages) — Description of the planned project during the residency, including materials, resources needed, connections to sustainability themes, and plans for implementation.
The total application size should not exceed 25 MB.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 February 2026
- Notification of Selection: March / April 2026 (expected decision period).
- Residency Period: Mid-2026, lasting 4 to 6 months.
Location
Potsdam, Germany
Additional Details
- Public presentation of artistic work or research outcomes is expected during or at the end of the fellowship; this is not limited to fully completed works but may include ongoing processes and concepts.
- The residency emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with research groups and may involve thematic work relevant to urban, Arctic, oceanic, or global sustainability issues.
- GFZ and partners support diversity and equal opportunities; applicants of all backgrounds, gender identities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
- Specific inquiries can be directed to Achim Maas, Head of the RIFS Fellow Programme (contact details provided on the official page).
