FAQ Residency

Costs and Financing

Infrastructure, Equipment, and Accommodation

Living Conditions and Community

General Details and Organization

1. Why do I pay for the residency program?
  It is an independent and self-organized program that is funded through participation fees.
2. Can I apply for scholarships myself?
  Yes, here is a list of potential scholarships:
1. How are the bedrooms equipped?
  Basic furnishings: pallet bed, mattress, pillow, lamp, electricity, storage (chest of drawers/wardrobe).
2. What should I bring?
  - Bed sheets:
    - @Dahlewitz: 90x200 cm
    - @Biesenthal: 160x200 cm
  - Duvet or sleeping bag, pillowcase, padlock, headlamp/flashlight, mosquito spray, tick remover.
3. Is there Wi-Fi?
  - @Biesenthal: Wi-Fi in the studio building.
  - @Dahlewitz: Wi-Fi in the residential building.
4. Is there heating?
  No.
5. How should I leave my room at the end of my stay?
  The room should be cleaned (vacuumed, mopped) and returned undamaged. Please inform us immediately of any damage.
6. Are all rooms the same size and equally equipped?
  No, they vary in size and furnishings.
7. Can I choose my own room/studio?
  Assignments are generally on a first-come, first-served basis. Coordination and swaps among participants are encouraged.
8. Is it comfortable or rather rudimentary?
  Rather rudimentary, as it is a temporary use without subsidies.
9. What condition will my studio be in, and how should I leave it?
  - Each studio has electricity and ceiling lighting, usually an improvised table and chair.
  - The wall conditions vary by studio; you will not find a white cube environment.
  - Studios must be cleaned and tidied at the end of your stay.
10. Can I lock my studio/room?
  - @Biesenthal: Studios are not lockable; rooms can be locked with a personal padlock.
  - @Dahlewitz: Rooms are lockable; most studios are shared spaces with padlocks.
11. Is there a kitchen?
  Yes, a fully equipped communal kitchen is available.
12. Is there a washing machine?
  Yes, there is a shared washing machine.
13. Is there electricity/water?
  Yes, the buildings have electricity and water. Please use resources sparingly.
14. Is there a bathroom in the house?
  - @Biesenthal: A sanitary container is located between the main building and the studio house.
  - @Dahlewitz: Yes.
15. Is there drinking water?
  Yes, all taps on the premises provide drinking water.
16. Is it still cold in May?
  Yes, buildings can be cool in May. If you are sensitive to cold, we recommend avoiding this period.
17. Is there mold in the buildings?
  Some studios may have developed mold during the cold months. These issues are professionally treated, but traces might remain.
1. Do I need to cook and shop myself?
  Yes, there are shops in the area.
2. Do I need to clean?
  Yes, there is a cleaning rota where everyone is assigned to clean shared areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room, trash) once or twice a month.
3. Do I need to clean up immediately after cooking/eating?
  Yes, everyone prefers a clean space.
4. Are shared supplies used?
  Yes, items like coffee, salt, spices, oil, vinegar, cleaning products, and toilet paper are communal and covered by the residency fee.
5. Can I bring my pet?
  Yes, but please contact us beforehand.
6. Are there animals on-site?
  At Biesenthal, there are sometimes multiple dogs.
7. Will I encounter animals or insects?
  Yes, especially in summer, you might encounter mosquitoes, ticks, raccoons, and bats.
8. How do you handle intolerant behavior?
  We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or discrimination against people with disabilities. Please report any incidents to us immediately.
9. Are there neighbors and noise regulations?
  Yes, the local regulations must be respected.
10. How many artists are in the residency?
  - @Biesenthal: Up to 20.
  - @Dahlewitz: Up to 15.
11. What language is spoken?
  English is typically spoken.
12. Can I make noise all night?
  No, noise (including music and work sounds) should be limited to 6 AM–10 PM. Sundays are quiet days.
13. Can I invite visitors?
  Each artist can invite up to two guests per month for a maximum of one overnight stay. Day guests are allowed but must be coordinated with Culterim and other artists. No guests are permitted during community events.
1. Is there transportation to the residency?
  No.
2. How do I get to Berlin, and how long does it take?
  - @Biesenthal: About 1 hour 15 minutes by bus or train.
  - @Dahlewitz: About 1 hour 15 minutes.
3. Is there an orientation at the start of the residency?
  Yes, there will be a meeting with essential information upon arrival.
4. Is participation mandatory?
  We ask for at least 80% attendance and participation in presentations.
5. Is it possible to work a job in Berlin during the residency?
  No, we expect you to fully focus on your artistic work and community involvement during the residency.
6. Do I have to participate in artist presentations?
  Yes, each artist presents their progress at least once per month.
7. When and how is the final exhibition?
  The final exhibition will take place in Berlin, likely from October 16–26, 2025. Participation is optional and must be confirmed during the residency. Artworks must be created on-site and will be stored there until the exhibition. Curation, organization, and transport are handled by Culterim, with a limit of one artwork per artist.
8. Is experience in communal living advantageous?
  Yes, an interest in collective living and a diverse group is beneficial.
9. Is there a program beyond presentations?
  No, there is no planned program, but spontaneous activities are possible.
10. Is the site fenced?
  No, the premises are open to neighbors and visitors.
11. Can I offer a workshop?
  Yes, participant-led workshops are welcome.
12. Is someone from Culterim always present?
  An assistant is almost always on-site, and someone is available by phone.
13. Do I need to bring my own materials?
  Yes, procure your materials in advance. There are no art supply stores nearby.
14. Can you assist with visa applications?
  We can issue an official invitation but cannot provide comprehensive support.
15. How does the selection process work?
  After reviewing applications, short online interviews are conducted. Final selections are made by the end of March.