FAQ
These are the most common questions we receive about our residency program and about Callie’s in general. If your question is not listed here, please write to us at residency@callies.berlin and we’ll get back to you.
Residency
“Is there a word limit for the application form?”
There is no word limit for the application form. If you compose your responses directly into the PDF, each text field will generate a scrolling bar to accommodate your reply. However, if you prefer, you may complete your responses in a separate document and include it with your application.
“When should I apply?”
You can apply for a residency at Callie’s at any time; the residency program has no application deadlines.
“I’m having trouble filling out the application form PDF, what should I do?”
If you have difficulties completing the form, it is also possible to answer the questions in a separate document and attach it to your email when you submit your application. If you have problems opening the application form, try opening it in a PDF reader. For more assistance you can contact us at residency@callies.berlin.
“How long until I hear back about my application?”
We will be in touch within three months if we have any questions, or to offer you a residency. Because of the increasing number of applications we receive, we are no longer able to reply to every applicant with our feedback. If you don’t hear from us within three months, it means that we cannot offer you a residency.
“What is a self-guided residency?”
A residency at Callie’s has no internal markers for success or productivity. Artists-in-residence are free in the way they organize their time. We believe in slowing down and staying flexible; for those selected to participate in the program, there are no associated obligations. We ask applicants to clarify their hopes for their stay, and we try to help our residents achieve their goals, whatever those may be.
“What languages are spoken at Callie’s?”
Our international team speaks a variety of languages: English, German, Italian, Spanish, Catalan, Russian, Bosnian, as well as some French and Greek. We are studying Arabic and Dutch. We will be happy to assist you in any of these languages.
“How many residents are there at Callie’s?”
Most of the spaces at Callie’s are flexible and can accommodate studios or exhibitions; for this reason the number of residents varies depending on our programming. We typically host at least 5 residents at a given time.
“Are there production facilities at Callie’s?”
There are currently no specialized workshops at Callie’s, such as welding, silk-screening, or glass-blowing. However, for most production needs we can help you find a suitable solution in Berlin.
“Are my belongings insured in the studio?”
Our studios are secured with a reliable alarm system. Unfortunately we cannot offer insurance for your valuables or art works while they are in the studio and ask that you insure your personal effects yourself. Should you have any questions or need advice, we will be happy to help you.
“Are there any commitments that go along with the residency at Callie’s?”
We believe in the principle of “self-guidance” and that the creative process can best be developed outside of a predetermined framework. Therefore, we do not set expectations and there are no requirements. We stay in an open exchange with our residents during their stay. Should the desire for engagement arise, we are happy to discuss ideas.
“Is there an application fee or any costs associated with the residency?”
No, there is no fee and no costs associated with the residency. There is no fee to stay in the micro-apartments. It is very important to us to keep the residency accessible to artists from all backgrounds.
“If I am not an artist can I still apply for a studio residency?”
Yes. In addition to its programs for visual artists, Callie’s offers opportunities for musicians, composers, choreographers, writers, poets and researchers. Even if you fall outside of these categories we encourage you to apply. We believe in a broad definition of the arts, a fruitful exchange between the disciplines, and look forward to receiving applications from all fields of creative practice.
“Can several people apply to share one studio space?”
Callie’s welcomes both individual artists and collectives of any size, as well as collaborative projects. If multiple artists that do not collaborate would like to apply together to share a studio, we encourage you to describe in your application your motivation for applying together rather than separately. Depending on the nature of your collaboration you may decide to submit one application form along with a portfolio and CV for each artist.
“Can collectives apply for a studio space at Callie’s?”
Yes, collectives are invited to apply, as well as collaborators who do not officially recognize themselves as a collective. We ask that collectives submit one application form that includes information on each member. If you always work collaboratively you can submit one portfolio and one CV that represents the collective. If you work individually as well, please submit materials that also clarify the artists’ solo practices.
“Are there fixed dates or durations for a residency at Callie’s?”
Just as for the application procedure, there is no fixed timeframes for the residencies themselves. It is important to us to tailor the residencies according to our residents’ needs. In question #9 in the application document, you may indicate your ideal time frame or dates.
“Does Callie’s offer accomodation?”
Callie’s has three micro-apartments for visiting artists. If you need accommodation in order to participate in the residency, please indicate this in your application document in question #8. You can find out more about our micro-apartments here.
“Can I bring my partner or my family to stay with me in a micro-apartment?”
It is generally possible to bring a partner or family member with you with advance warning. However, it should be noted that the micro-apartments are designed for a maximum of two people due to their small size and two-story layout, and they are not ideal for children. If you would like to have your family join you, please indicate this in your application form and we will work with you to figure out a comfortable solution.
“Does Callie’s provide funding for materials, airfare to Berlin, per diem once I am there, or for anything else?”
In some cases Callie’s does provide financial support to residents. If you need funding, please outline your budget in your application form at question #10.
“What is the difference between a studio residency, a residency with a sprung floor, a residency in the Sound Studio, and the Writer’s Room?”
A studio residency gives residents access to more than 160m2 of private studio space.
If you work in movement and would benefit from a sprung floor, we recommend you select “Artist-in-Residence (Sprung Floor)” on your application. The studio with the sprung floor is identical to the others except for this feature. It is also private.
Because our studios are not accoustically treated, we developed the Sound Studio as a place to welcome practitioners working in sound. At any given time it has 2-5 residents who reserve time in the space using a shared calendar system. We make sure that the Sound Studio is never at capacity and thus far we have not experienced any scheduling conflicts.
If you are a writer or are working on a writing or research project you can apply for a residency in the Writer’s Room. This is a private space that is much smaller than the studios and is designed for concentration.
General
“Do you rent studio space?”
Our studios are given to artists within the framework of residencies; there are no charges and no associated fees. We do not rent our studios on a monthly basis or for longer periods. In rare cases we may rent out studios on a short-term basis to fundraise to support our program. If you are interested in hosting an event or photoshoot at Callie’s, please contact us at office@callies.berlin.
“Do you accept exhibition proposals?”
We do not accept exhibition proposals.
“Can I rent exhibition space?”
Any exhibitions on view at Callie’s are developed by our staff in collaboration with the artists. We neither rent exhibition space nor host unaffiliated exhibitions.
“Are there any job openings at Callie’s?”
We don’t have any openings at this time but please follow us on social media (@calliesberlin); we post all job openings there.
“Can I intern at Callie’s?”
Callie’s only offers a few internships a year and our interns are always paid for their work. If you would like to intern at Callie’s please send your CV and letter of interest to office@callies.berlin.