ZK/U Residency Program Open Call

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Brief Description:
ZK/U (Zentrum für Kunst und Urbanistik) is an independent, artist-led residency and project space in Berlin. It offers a multidisciplinary residency program for artists, researchers, activists, and professionals working with urban dynamics. The residency fosters collaboration, dialogue, and experimentation in an environment that blends artistic and academic inquiry.

Eligibility:
Open to individuals from various fields, including artists, researchers, urbanists, architects, anthropologists, and humanities scholars. Applicants should propose projects that align with contemporary artistic, conceptual, and interventionist approaches or urban-related research.

Themes (Conceptual Framework):
Residents may (but are not required to) align their proposals with one or more of the following thematic narratives:

  • Planetary Agencies: Exploring human coexistence with non-human actors (animals, AI, nature) and advocating sustainable governance models.
  • Augmented Aesthetics: Examining the intersection of art, politics, and technology in democratic and participatory processes.
  • Commons Cosmodrome: Addressing the redefinition of public and digital commons in an attention economy.
  • Relational Urbanism: Challenging urban fragmentation and fostering dynamic, interconnected city spaces.

Residency Benefits:

  • Private studio for living and working.
  • Access to communal spaces (kitchen, terrace, library).
  • Weekly residency dinners, monthly studio visits, and bi-monthly open studio events (OPENHAUS).
  • Promotion of residents’ work locally and online.
  • Support in identifying relevant events, resources, and urban discourses.
  • Opportunities to participate in ZK/U’s public programs (from summer 2025 onwards) or propose self-initiated public events (additional costs may apply).

Program Costs:

  • Residency fees range from €650 to €1000 per month (depending on studio type and length of stay, 2-6 months).
  • Fees cover utilities, space, and program participation.
  • Additional costs apply for more than one resident per studio.
  • Applicants must self-fund their residency; ZK/U provides support with funding applications by sharing funding opportunities and offering official invitation letters.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates must complete the online application form and submit the following:

  1. PDF (Max 12 pages/10MB): CV and a short portfolio (2-3 past projects with descriptions).
  2. PDF (Max 3 pages): Project proposal including description, working plan, and relation to ZK/U or Berlin.
  3. JPG images (up to 4): Representative examples of the applicant’s practice.

Selection Process:

  • Applications will be reviewed, and results will be announced by the end of April 2025.
  • Accepted residents can book studio spaces for periods starting from November 2025.

Additional Information:

  • Construction Notice: ZK/U is undergoing renovations until summer 2025, which may cause noise disturbances.
  • Policy of Respect: Residents must adhere to ZK/U’s commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect.

Contact & Resources:

  • Application Form: [Available on ZK/U’s website]
  • Further information: [FAQs on the website]
  • Email inquiries: apply@zku-berlin.org

 

Website link: https://www.zku-berlin.org/open-call/

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