The Potsdam Memorandum of 2007 calls on science and society to tap into all sources of ingenuity and cooperation in an effort to tackle the great sustainability challenges of our time. The arts can provide unique insights beyond the scope of scientific analysis and policy development, challenging our views and opening new avenues to work together towards the common goal of a sustainable world, while fostering dialogue across cultures, epistemologies and territories.
The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program, the City of Potsdam, and the Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS) are issuing a joint call for applications for international artists to explore artistic insights into sustainability during a fellowship in Potsdam, Germany. The programme seeks to foster exchange between the arts, academia, politics, and civil society and to facilitate collaboration around the world. We especially encourage the participation of artists with critical voices and perspectives that are absent in German and Western European discussions on sustainability and sustainable development.
The successful applicant will join the RIFS Fellow Programme, which has hosted a number of artists over the years, alongside scientists and practitioners from business and civil society. Fellowships span a period of three to six months, with the RIFS providing the basic infrastructure as well as a monthly stipend and additional allowances for ancillary costs such as travel expenses, co-financed by the DAAD. In addition, we provide support on various legal requirements such as visa applications, cover travel to Potsdam and back, and provide an apartment for the first three months of the fellowship, allowing fellows ample time to find suitable housing in the Berlin-Brandenburg area, if needed.
Fellows are supported by the RIFS Fellow Unit throughout their stay, with opportunities to engage with other researchers and fellows at the RIFS and cultural institutions in Potsdam and beyond.
This call for applications is open to artists active in any field – from the visual arts to filmmaking, the performing arts, literature, music, and beyond. While we value artistic experience, we recognize that exceptional talent and creativity can often transcend traditional benchmarks. We encourage individuals with a passion for their craft and a strong portfolio showcasing their skills to apply. We welcome joint applications by artistic collectives; however, our funds are limited. Please contact us directly if you wish to submit a joint application.
To apply, please provide us with the following documents and information:
• Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages): Please explain your motivation to apply for this fellowship. In particular, please outline how your project would benefit from a collaboration with one of the RIFS research groups. Please indicate which RIFS research group would be your preferred cooperation partner.
• CV (max. 2 pages): Please outline the key steps in your career.
• Portfolio (max. 20 pages): Please provide us with your portfolio or links to websites hosting your work.
• Proposal (max. 5 pages): Please outline your intended project during your fellowship, paying special attention to how it would relate to sustainability and be implemented at RIFS, in the Potsdam/Berlin area and/or the German art scene.
All documents must be submitted as separate PDF files in English by 14 April 2024 to achim.maas@rifs-potsdam.de. Your complete application (all files) should not exceed 20MB.
Successful applicants will be selected by representatives from the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program, the City of Potsdam, the RIFS and independent jury members from academia and the arts
The earliest starting date for the fellowship is September 1st 2024.
You can download the Call for Applications here.
In case of any further queries, please contact Achim Maas, Head of the RIFS Fellow Programme, either via email at achim.maas@rifs-potsdam.de or phone +49 (0)331-28822-355.