Bardo Projektraum is more than a physical space. It is a gathering point for practices that question, reimagine, and resist. Rooted in queer, decolonial, and intersectional perspectives, Bardo forms part of Berlin’s independent art ecosystem as a platform where curators and cultural workers can connect with artists, collectives, and communities that move beyond the mainstream.

The Curatorial Residency 2026 invites emerging and mid-career curators to engage with this context, to research and develop projects in dialogue with Bardo’s ethos, and to share their work through collective and public encounters.

About the Curatorial Residency Program in Berlin

Residents can apply for 1 to 3 months, within the following terms:

• Winter: January – March
• Spring: April – June
• Summer: July – September
• Autumn: October – December

We host up to three residents per period, allowing for exchange and collaboration without losing the intimacy and focus of each practice.

What the Residency Offers

This residency is not conceived as a retreat but as an active insertion into Bardo’s ongoing life. Residents become part of our community and benefit from:

1. Curatorial support and mentorship with a focus on queer, decolonial, and intersectional methodologies.
2. Public presentation of the residency process, such as a talk, workshop, or activation.
3. Exhibition opportunity for three-month residents, supported by a 500 € production budget.
4. Collective exchange and professional networking: studio visits, tours of Berlin’s art spaces, and participation in Bardo’s workshops, lectures, readings, and pedagogical activities.
5. Visibility and communication: promotion across Bardo’s platforms, catalogues, and digital archive.
6. Production assistance for exhibitions, performances, and events.
7. Access to networks and partnerships with cultural institutions, universities, and independent spaces in Berlin.
8. Commitment to accessibility and inclusion: adaptive infrastructure, accessible exhibition formats, and participatory methodologies.
9. Workspace and equipment: tables, chairs, whiteboards, projector, sound system, printer/scanner, internet.
10. Amenities: small kitchen, coffee machine, fridge, bathroom.

What is not included

• Accommodation: residents are responsible for finding and covering their own housing in Berlin.
• Travel costs: transportation to and from Berlin must be covered by the resident.
• Daily living expenses: food, insurance, transport within the city, and personal costs are not included.
• Artist/curator fees or honoraria: the residency provides mentorship, space, visibility, and (for 3-month stays) a production budget, but does not pay curatorial fees.
• Extended production budgets: beyond the provided 500 € for 3-month residents, additional production costs must be secured by the resident or through external funding.
• Visas: if needed, the resident is responsible for visa costs and procedures (Bardo provides letters of invitation to support applications).

How to Apply for Bardo Projektraum Curatorial Residency

Applications should be submitted in a single PDF to info@karnekunst.com with the subject line:
“Bardo Curatorial Residency 2026”

Please include:

1. Name / Collective + short bio (max. 300 words)
2. Project description (max. 1000 words), outlining relevance to Bardo’s curatorial approach
3. Proposed duration (1, 2, or 3 months, with indication of preferred season)
4. Artists or collaborators (confirmed or tentative)
5. Indication if applying for the 50% scholarship and why.
6. Indication if you require a letter of invitation

Application deadline: Ongoing
Apply now for the Bardo Projektraum Curatorial Residency 2026 in Berlin. A unique program for international curators offering space, research, and funding opportunities.

Fees

Fee: €600 per month
The participation fee for the Bardo Curatorial Residency 2026 is €600 per month. For residencies of three months, a production budget of €500 is provided to support the final public presentation.

Accepted applicants will be asked to confirm their participation with a deposit of €200, deductible from the total fee. The remaining balance must be paid before the start of the residency. Please note that travel, accommodation, and daily living expenses are not included in this fee and remain the responsibility of the participant.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of partial scholarships (50%) are available and will be awarded based on demonstrated need. Applicants wishing to be considered for financial aid must indicate this in their application. Please note that full scholarships are not available. We encourage applicants to also seek support from external funding sources, cultural institutions, or national funding programs. Bardo can provide letters of invitation and supporting documentation to assist in these applications.

Funding Opportunities for International Curators in Berlin

At Bardo, we believe that curatorial practice is not only about producing exhibitions but about weaving relations, amplifying voices, and building collective spaces of knowledge and imagination. The residency is an invitation to be part of this process.