Weltoffenes Berlin — integrating artists in Berlin through cultural networks and professional support

In many countries around the world, artists, journalists, and cultural professionals face censorship, restrictions on artistic freedom, and political pressure. In response to these challenges, the Berlin Senate created Weltoffenes Berlin, a program that helps professionals in the fields of art, culture, and media maintain their professional activities and achieve artist integration in Berlin through professional contacts, consultations, cultural projects, and support from Berlin-based institutions.
For many creative professionals, relocation means not only moving to a new country but also losing a familiar professional environment. Even after resolving documentation issues, more complex questions remain: where to find colleagues, how to understand the cultural system of a new country, how to discover projects, and how to continue developing a professional practice. It is at this stage that Weltoffenes Berlin becomes a valuable resource.

Why the Program Was Created in Berlin
Berlin has long been considered one of Europe’s leading cultural capitals. The city brings together artists, curators, musicians, researchers, journalists, and representatives of many different creative professions. However, entering this professional environment after a forced relocation can be challenging.
For this reason, the program was created as a support tool for people who have been forced to leave their countries because of political circumstances and wish to continue working in the cultural sector. The initiative’s main goal is not only adaptation but also artist integration in Berlin through meaningful professional connections and cultural collaboration.

What Opportunities Are Available
One of the program’s key areas is consultation, professional support, and networking. Participants gain access to information about Berlin’s cultural infrastructure, become familiar with organizations and projects, receive assistance in finding professional contacts, and gain a deeper understanding of how the city’s cultural landscape functions.
For many artists, the lack of professional networks becomes one of the main challenges after relocation. That is why the program places special emphasis on building new connections within the professional community.

Artist Integration in Berlin Through the Professional Community
A distinctive feature of Weltoffenes Berlin is that it approaches integration not as an administrative process but as a gradual inclusion into the cultural environment.
For artists, it is important not only to live in a new country but also to participate in exhibitions, projects, educational initiatives, and professional discussions. Through cooperation with Berlin’s cultural organizations, participants have opportunities to meet curators, researchers, producers, and representatives of cultural institutions. These relationships often become the foundation for future projects and long-term collaborations.

Support Beyond Visual Artists
The program is not limited to visual artists. Participants may include cultural professionals, media specialists, journalists, curators, researchers, musicians, and representatives of other creative fields who have been forced to leave their countries because of current political circumstances.
This interdisciplinary approach helps build broader professional networks and encourages the development of collaborative projects across different areas of culture.

Funding and Special Opportunities
In addition to consultations and networking, the initiative also includes specific funding programs. One of the best-known opportunities is the Fellowship Program Weltoffenes Berlin, which enables Berlin-based cultural organizations to invite artists and cultural professionals to collaborate on projects and creative initiatives.
In this way, the program combines professional adaptation, network building, consultation services, and additional funding opportunities, helping participants create a more sustainable professional future in Germany.

What Is Important to Consider
Weltoffenes Berlin is not an emergency relocation program and does not directly handle immigration matters. Its primary focus is supporting people who are already in the process of relocation or adaptation and are looking for opportunities to continue their professional activities.
As a result, the resource is especially valuable for those who are already considering long-term career development in Germany and want to become part of the local cultural community.

Why This Resource Matters
Many support programs help people overcome the immediate challenges that follow relocation. Weltoffenes Berlin focuses on a different stage — creating the conditions for a sustainable professional life after migration. This is why the program places strong emphasis on cultural networks, professional development, and artist integration in Germany.
For artists and cultural professionals from Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and other countries in the region, this resource can become an important gateway to Berlin’s cultural environment and a source of new opportunities for collaboration.

Who This Resource Is For
The platform is valuable for artists, curators, journalists, researchers, musicians, cultural managers, and other cultural professionals seeking opportunities for professional adaptation and career development in Germany.