FAQs Residency | Culterim Gallery

FAQs
Artist-in-Residence

Find most of the upcoming questions regarding our residency programs here.

Costs and Financing

Why do I pay for the residency? Unfortunately, there's no government funding available. Maintenance of the buildings and ancillary costs (around €5,000 per year), wages for the artistic director (9 months at €2,000), usable only for 5 months (€23,000 / 5 = €4,600 / 15 spots = €306.66 + 19% VAT = €365).
Why have participation costs for the residency increased? In the first year, artistic support was provided voluntarily. The difference in the second year is due to increased operating costs and reduced participant numbers.
Can I apply for grants myself? Yes. Here's a list of possible grants:

Infrastructure, Equipment, and Accommodation

What's the bedroom equipment like? Rooms are very basic, furnished with a pallet bed, a mattress, a pillow, a lamp, electricity, and storage space (dresser, wardrobe, etc.).
What should I bring? Bring your own bedsheets (@Dahlewitz: 90x200cm / @Biesenthal: 160x200cm), a duvet or sleeping bag and a pillowcase. Furthermore, you need a padlock (in case you would like to be able to lock your room or studio), a headlamp / flashlight (there is electric light of course, but the property is quite spacious and from experience one is really happy about it here and there), mosquito spray and a tick tong.
Is there WiFi?
1. @Biesenthal: Limited quality, as it's in the middle of the forest.
2. @Dahlewitz: WiFi only available in the kitchen area.
Is there heating? No.
How should I leave my room at the end of my stay? The room should be cleaned (vacuumed, mopped) and returned undamaged. If something is broken (like a cupboard door), please inform us directly.
Are all rooms the same size and furnished the same? No. Rooms vary in size and furnishings.
Can I choose my own room/studio? How is the allocation done? Usually, it's first-come, first-served. However, we suggest coordinating among yourselves, considering each other's needs, and being open to swapping/changing rooms.
Is it comfortable or rather rudimentary? As it's a temporary use and we set up a space without funding for a certain period, it's rather rudimentary.
How will I find my studio, and how should I leave it? Every studio, whether solo or shared, has electricity and overhead lighting. Most studios have an improvised table and chair. The studio must be cleaned and tidied up at the end of your stay.
Can I lock my studio/room?
1. @Biesenthal: No option to lock the studio. For the bedroom door, a conventional padlock can be used, which you need to bring.
2. @Dahlewitz: Rooms are lockable; most studios are communal workshops with a padlock.
Is there a kitchen? Yes, there's a equipped kitchen shared by everyone.
Is there a washing machine? There's one washing machine for the entire community.
What about resources? The buildings have electricity/water. We ask for careful use of water & electricity.
Is there a bathroom in the house?
1. @Biesenthal: There's a sanitary container located between the main building and the studio house.
2. @Dahlewitz: Yes.
Is there drinking water? Every tap on the premises provides drinking water.
Is it still cold in May? Typically, it's cooler in the buildings during the first month. Please consider this during your application period. If you tend to stay still while working and are sensitive to cold, we recommend not coming in May.
Is there mold in the buildings? Some studios may have developed mold during the cold months. This is being addressed with professional help and made harmless. Traces may still be present.

Living Conditions and Community

Do I have to cook and shop for myself? Yes, there are shopping options in the town.
Do I have to clean? Yes, there's a cleaning schedule where each person is scheduled once or twice a month for communal areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room, trash).
Do I need to clean up and wash immediately after cooking/eating? Yes. We are many people, and each person wants to enter a clean space.
Are there products used communally? How is it organized? Yes. Commonly used items like coffee, salt, spices, oil, vinegar, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc., are shared/paid for collectively. At the start of the month, a sum of €10-20 is collected, and these products are bought collectively by the artists.
Can I bring my pet? Yes, but please contact us beforehand to discuss everything.
Do other animals live on the premises? In Biesenthal, there are sometimes several dogs.
Will I encounter animals and/or insects? Yes, as the residency is close to nature, encounters with animals and insects are frequent. Especially in midsummer, there's increased activity of mosquitoes and ticks. Please consider this when packing your clothes.
How do we handle intolerant behavior, harassment, endangerment, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-disability, or hurtful behavior within the residency? We have a Zero-Tolerance Policy in our residencies! If you experience or observe anything of this nature, or hear about it, please report directly to us.
Do we have neighbors, and are there noise and neighborhood rules? Yes. Every place has its own rules that must be respected and considered.
How many artists are in the residency with me?
1. @Biesenthal: Up to 15 artists live and work.
2. @Dahlewitz: Up to 15 artists live and work.
3. However, due to cancellations, there may be short-term changes (e.g., visas, illness, etc.).
What language is spoken? English is usually spoken.
Can I make noise all night long? No, all noises, including work-related sounds or music, should be within normal working hours, from 6 am to 10 pm, and respectful towards our surroundings (neighbors, residents, animals...).

General Details and Organization

Is there transportation to and from the residency? No.
How do I get to Berlin, and how long does it take?
1. @Biesenthal: You can reach a bus or train station from the residency by foot or bicycle. From there, you can reach Berlin. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes during the day.
2. @Dahlewitz: You can reach a bus or train station from the residency by foot or bicycle, then travel to Berlin. From Dahlewitz to Berlin, the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes during the day (due to ongoing construction in the direct connection). We recommend using the BVG app for travel information.
Is there an introduction at the beginning of the residency? Yes, after arrival, there's an initial meeting with introductions and essential information.
Is attendance mandatory? We ask for at least 80% attendance and attendance during presentations. Please inform us promptly if you can't be present.
Do I have to participate in artist presentations? At least once a month, there's a planned 1-hour presentation by each artist. The aim is to show work progress, not necessarily a finished piece. Respectful, fruitful exchanges are central. We're interested in who you are and what interests you.
When and how does the final exhibition take place? At the end of the residency, there's an exhibition with all artists at one of our spaces in Berlin Downtown. This exhibition is expected to take place in October, showcasing works created during the residency. The curation and selection of works are solely managed by Culterim Gallery. The selection will happen during the stay, and works can be stored in the residency and transported to the exhibition venue by Culterim. There's no budget for materials/techniques. Format in short: 3-day exhibition, group display, participation voluntary, additional programs like guided tours or talks organized by Culterim Gallery.
Can I have visitors? Day visits are generally not a problem. Please announce beforehand and discuss with the group (in live and chat groups). Guests are expected to treat the place and others with respect. You're responsible for your guests. Overnight visits are allowed only in exceptional situations and after consulting with Culterim.
Would it be good if I have prior experience living in a community? Would it be good if I have an interest in collective living for my stay or am open to a larger, diverse group of people? Yes, definitely. We focus, among other things, on community and good interaction. Although artistic work is at the center, the residency functions well only when everyone feels responsible and comfortable. Please take care of each other.
Is there a program besides presentations? No planned program. There will be an open studio day once in the summer (likely in June or July). Otherwise, the group decides spontaneously on activities (pizza/movie/cake/grilling/workshops, etc.).
Is the premises gated? No. We are an 'open' house, allowing neighbors and interested people onto the premises. Generally, we welcome people onto the premises with friendliness and openness. Private areas are excluded.
Can I offer a workshop? Yes, absolutely! We welcome sharing knowledge and exchange. In previous years, there have been smaller workshops organized by participants for participants. These were organized spontaneously.
Is there always someone from Culterim present 24/7? It can't always be guaranteed. However, there's almost always an assistant on-site, and someone is reachable by phone.
Do I need to bring my materials? Yes, please get your work materials beforehand. There are no art supply shops nearby. The nearest is in Berlin.
Can you assist with visa applications? Unfortunately, our capacity currently doesn't allow us to carefully guide through the entire application process. However, we can issue an official invitation letter.
How does the selection process work? In the first round, we review your application and then invite a shortlisted few for a brief online interview. Then, we make the final selection and will get back to you by the end of March.

FAQs Artist-in-Residence

FAQs
Artist-in-Residence