Berlin Fine Art | SP25 Faculty-Led
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, October 28 (Week 8) at 1pm PST
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
As a vibrant center of contemporary and historical art, Berlin is shaped by complex social forces. Germany’s history, both political, economic and cultural, encompasses the most horrific events of the 20th century, as well as some of the most progressive cultural work in the 20th and 21st century. In this range of forces are many lessons for artists making art in America right now. As preparation for our visit the historical background of Germany will be covered in class preparatory sessions. In Berlin, museum, gallery and artists visits will range from the 16th century to current times, with an emphasis on contextual and multi-cultural understanding.
Student field work in Berlin will encompass group visits as well as time for individual or small group independent exploration.
Selected students will spend the Spring 2025 term at Art Center preparing for their visit through four three hour lecture courses oriented towards the historical context of the sites we will be visiting. Our first session will also be a preparatory meeting and overview of class requirements and expectations, both in the classroom and in the field.
Following our Spring semester preparation, students will stay in Berlin during the Spring/Summer 2025 break, experiencing its art and culture firsthand. We will visit many galleries, museums, and important historical sites as well as have opportunities to meet with artists. Students will keep a notebook with their research, findings, drawings, photographs, with the expectation that they can demonstrate how this new knowledge will impact their art-making. Students will also have two free days to explore the city and travel around as they wish.
SPRING 2025 COURSE DESCRIPTION
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As one of the most vibrant art cultures in the world, Berlin is a highly multicultural with a rich and, most importantly, complex and difficult history. In this course, we will examine how notions of German identity have been shaped by that history and investigate its ramifications in contemporary art.
The travel portion of the Berlin trip will visit museums, galleries and historical sites, as well as to meet artists and curators and attend performing art events. This class is composed of a pre-trip (four three-hour classes) comprised by seminars, lectures, readings, screenings and the immersive 12-day study-away experience in Berlin during the Spring/Summer break.Learning Outcomes
• Firsthand exposure to the international contemporary art world.
• Opportunity to witness and learn about the complex historical contexts of German and European art and culture.
• Exposure to art, culture, and points of views other than those encountered in Los Angeles and the United States.
ABOUT THE ARTCENTER BERLIN STUDIO
Building on deep connections forged over several years with some of Europe’s leading creative agencies, educational institutions and civic leaders, ArtCenter established a year-round studio for students in 2013. The satellite studio hosts trans-disciplinary studio projects, giving ArtCenter students an immersive experience in a city known for reinvention.
More than a study abroad program, the studio environment is designed to deliberately remove students from a traditional setting and move them into the atmosphere of a pop-up design office, organized like a professional creative agency. A network of high-caliber members of the local creative industries—communication and design agencies, artists and architects—support studio projects as dedicated mentors.
The Berlin studio hosts programs for as short as 10 days and as long as 12 weeks. Nearly every major has an opportunity to study in Berlin and there are program types for every academic and budget need.
Additionally, the studio provides the college an opportunity to offer professional education workshops, networking receptions and program space for Europe-based alumni.
Learn more about the ArtCenter Berlin Studio. Other Berlin Program options include the Eye on Berlin program hosted by Illustration or one of the ArtCenter Berlin Term full term studios.
HOUSING DETAILS
Students will be housed at Creon Cospace, located at the popular Viktoriapark in Kreuzberg, just a few short stops from the ArtCenter Berlin Studio. Students will have their own single room, share a bathroom with one student and a kitchen with eight. There is lounge space and a terrace located in the building. The apartments are fully furnished and come with bedding a towels, along with basic kitchen supplies.
ABOUT BERLIN, GERMANY
Berlin is a vibrant and dynamic city that has long been a haven for designers and artists. Known for its rich history, eclectic architecture, and thriving creative scene, Berlin offers an inspiring environment for artistic expression and innovation. The city's diverse neighborhoods, such as Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Mitte, are renowned for their galleries, studios, and creative hubs.
Berlin’s low cost of living compared to other major European cities attracts a global community of creatives, fostering a spirit of experimentation and collaboration. The city's history of reinvention and its current status as a cultural melting pot make it a unique place where traditional and contemporary art forms blend seamlessly. With numerous art festivals, design exhibitions, and a strong network of creative professionals, Berlin is a vibrant canvas for those looking to push artistic boundaries and explore new ideas.
In essence, Berlin is not just a city of historical significance but also a fertile ground for creative exploration and innovation. Whether you’re interested in architecture, graphic design, fashion, or digital media, Berlin’s dynamic environment promises to inspire and challenge design students seeking to push the boundaries of their craft.