The Künstlerhaus Bethanien is an international cultural center in Berlin dedicated to contemporary visual arts. It provides workspaces and exhibition spaces for artists through its artist-in-residence program, fostering dialogue between artists and the public. The name "Bethanien" comes from the building's original name, which was a hospital commissioned by King Frederic William IV. Saved from demolition in 1974, it became a renowned platform for contemporary art under the leadership of Dr. Michael Haerdter. Since 1975, it has exhibited diverse projects across artistic disciplines and provided a crucial career launchpad for nearly 950 artists worldwide. In 2010, with the financial support of the Berlin Lottery Foundation (Stiftung Klassenlotterie Berlin), the managing director Christoph Tannert led the relocation project. The current venue is housed in a former manufacturing building, the Light Factory, founded in 1912, to expand its residency and exhibition programs and provide better facilities for artists.
The International Studio Program at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien provides a platform for emerging artists from around the world. Artists-in-residence program offers them the opportunity to develop and implement their projects while reflecting on their position in the Berlin art scene. The program provides various services, including curatorial support, workshops, technical infrastructure, project presentations, advertising, open studio events, participation in larger projects, publication support, international networking, seminars, and liaising with institutions. Residency costs are covered by international bursaries, which include monthly living expenses, studio rental, material support, and a final project presentation. Residencies usually last for a duration of 12 months.
Künstlerhaus Bethanien collaborates with partners, co-producing projects and hosting funded exhibitions to expand its reach. As a publisher, it has produced over 300 books and magazines, offering editing services and generating attention for artists' projects. The bilingual Be Magazine features essays on current art trends and supports Berlin authors.
The Künstlerhaus Bethanien is located in the former "Light Factory" and houses workshops, offices, studios, and 730 sqm of exhibition facilities. It also offers 25 spacious loft-style studios with amenities for artists, including kitchen units and wireless internet. Shared bathrooms, showers, and well-equipped workshops are available for exhibition production, along with video and sound editing resources.
Artists should apply for the artist residency program through associated partners of Künstlerhaus Bethanien. In Taiwan, artists and curators can apply for the residency program through an annual open call held by the Ministry of Culture. After receiving the applications, a local jury in Berlin would select the recipient of the bursary. Artists who do not qualify for any of these national bursaries may apply directly on the condition that they have secured alternative funding, e.g. through supporting galleries, collectors or other bursary schemes.
Through artist-in-residence program, the Künstlerhaus Bethanien provides workspaces for artists and organizes events to promote dialogues on contemporary visual art with the public.
Sourced from: Künstlerhaus Bethanien
Edited by: Brix