our offers for artists
OPEN CALL #4
Voices before us - Voices after us is a writing workshop of the topic of origin and memory.
We invite young people (16-35 years old) to a three-day writing workshop on the topic of origin and memory. The workshop focuses on exploring one's own family history through writing – with a particular attention to gaps, ruptures, and the "untold" – potentially including family history related to the ruptures of World War 2.
The workshop is not about finding "right" answers, but about tracing one's roots, about personal reflection, and a sensitive approach to one's own origins through language. No prior literary experience is necessary. Participation is free; places are limited. Working languages: German and English.
The workshop will focus on:
writing workshop using biographical material
working with memories, fragments, and open questions
a sensitive approach to personal and historical topics
exchange within a small, confidential group (approx. 6-10 people)
Voices before us - Voices after us
Writing Workshop 18.-20.5.2026
Dates and Times
application deadline: 15. 5. 2026
Workshop dates: 18.5./19.5./20.5. Every day 16:00 -19:00
The workshop will take place in the gallery of Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile.
Outcome
The workshops will produce short texts by the participants (sketches/essays/fragments). Some of these texts or excerpts may be used (with the authors' permission and under the condition of anonymity) in a planned music theater production.
This workshop is part of a programme curated by Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile and Port of Culture, funded by the EVZ foundation (Stiftung Erinnerung, Verantwortung, Zukunft) The project aims to commemorate the history of Babyn Yar ravine in Kyiv, Ukraine, which became a site of mass killings carried out by Nazi German forces during World War II.
Working languages: German and English
Workshop conductors team:
Christine Dissmann, author, director and curator. Christine has long-standing experience in running creative educational projects with young people.
Borja Martin-Andino, social - and cultural Anthropoligist
Hans-Christian Straka, author and psychologist.
Who can apply?
Anybody between the age 16-35 interested in exploring their family history through language and working in a group for exchange. Prior literary experience is not necessary.
OPEN CALL #2
Routes & Roots Studio Residency
Routes n’ Roots (RnR) is an offer for Berlin-based emerging musicians with migrant, relocation or refugee experience to take part in a two-month studio residency at Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile, Berlin. Residencies will start in June 2026.
We are offering six studio residencies for young artists looking for time, space, and community to deepen their practice. Each residency runs for two months.
Residents will receive independent access to our cozy, acoustically adapted music studio, equipped with a 24-channel mixer, PA, drum kit, keys amp, bass amp, and guitar amp. Other extra equipment depends exclusively on the artists. The artists will also be able to use shared spaces in the house, including our urban garden, kitchen, and common living room.
Studio access will be offered in coexistence with our wider artistic community. The residency is an opportunity to get in touch with other artists from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
Read FAQ here.
Who can apply?
We are looking for applications from Berlin-based young musicians (aged 18 to 29 years) with migration, displacement, or refugee experience who are seeking a protected space to write, rehearse, record, and develop their work, while the possibility of exchange with artists from different disciplines and backgrounds. Any musical genre and style is welcome.
Application process and schedule
1.5.2026 Deadline for applications
15.5.2026 Announcement of participants
1.6..2026 Start of first residency
OPEN CALL #1
High Five Exhibition Series
Who can apply?
This open call is for artists currently living in exile in Berlin, including both emerging and established practitioners working in visual art, installation, video, photography, and mixed media. While the project is rooted in the context of exile and displacement, thematic restriction is not madatory. The key to participating in our program is conceptual strength, clarity and feasibility within the short-term format.
What the Artist is responsible for
Participating artists are responsible for:
● Installation and de-installation
● Production costs
● Technical setup (if required beyond basic infrastructure)
● Providing promotional material and own promotional activity of the exhibition
● Bringing their own audience to the opening
● Active presence during the opening event
This model is based on shared responsibility and active artistic engagement.
Read FAQ here.
Application process and schedule
19.4.2026 Deadline for applications
1.5.2026 Announcement of participants
28.5.2026 Opening of the first High Five Exhibition
The open call is closed. The next round for applications will open in August 2026.
High Five Exhibition Series is an offer for artists currently living in exile to exhibit their work at in our gallery for free.
What we offer
We offer the possibility to exhibit your work at our venue for 5 days, with the opening on Thursday evening. Your exhibition will be on view from Friday to Monday, with de-installation on Tuesday. Selected artists receive use of our gallery without fee, as well as promotional and coordinational support within the professional context of Gallery of Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile.
Selected artists receive:
● Free use of the gallery space for 5 exhibition days
● Professional artistic context within our gallery
● Inclusion in Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile communication channels
● Scheduling and coordination support
● A curated environment aligned with contemporary art practices
This format is designed to provide visibility and momentum within the Berlin art context.
Next Up!
Next Up! is a new format by Hotel Continental, offering emerging artists of the performing arts our stage for one evening to present their work to the public.
More info coming soon.
Blue Monday
With Blue Monday we will give a stage in our gallery to poetry readings, spoken word evenings, book presentations, talks, debates and experimental formats.
More info coming soon.
