As part of an open call, students and teaching staff of UdK Berlin are invited to artistically explore the relationship between the university and the city of Berlin. One possible starting point is the banner and slogan from the current “Berlin” image campaign, developed by Berlin Partner for city marketing (wir.berlin: BERLIN.). The slogan on the banner selected by Berlin Partner for this initiative reads:

“Vier der besten Unis in Deutschland. Fünf, wenn man die Straße mitzählt."
(Four of the best universities in Germany. Five, if you count the street.)

The open call is addressed to all teaching staff and students of the university. The aim is to bring together individual students or project groups from as many faculties as possible to engage with the city of Berlin and its connection to the university, and to translate this into their own artistic language – whether installation-based, performative, media-based or conceptual. The focus is on individual perspectives and cross-disciplinary interpretations that highlight the diversity of UdK Berlin. The physical banner, its typography and/or colours may serve as creative impulses and design elements for the works.

The resulting works will be presented in a curated exhibition from 23–26 February 2026 at Masumi Space on Kurfürstendamm.

Alongside the exhibition, accompanying communication will take place through a press release, the production of video content, a social media campaign on the Instagram channels wirBerlin and UdK Berlin, as well as outdoor advertising in the urban space around Kurfürstendamm.

To take part, please send the following documents by November 28, 2025 to marketing_ @udk-berlin.de with the subject line “Open Call – UdK x Berlin”:

• Short description of the idea (max. 1 A4 pages)
• Sketches, visualisations or mood boards
• Technical requirements (materials*, set-up)
• Participating artists

*Material costs of up to 150 euros may be reimbursed upon prior agreement and submission of receipts.

• Deadline for submission of project/object ideas: November 28, 2025
• Project selection decision: Early December 2025
• Joint project kick-off: Early December 2025
• Production phase: December 2025 – February 21, 2026
• Opening (Vernissage): February 23, 2026
• Exhibition period: February 23–26, 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Insa Ruckdeschel from the Strategic Marketing team:
insa.ruckdeschel_ @intra.udk-berlin.de
030 3185 1459

As part of the new image campaign for the city of Berlin, the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin) and Berlin Partner are cooperating to highlight the close connection between UdK Berlin and the city, to emphasise its role as a key actor within Berlin’s cultural and academic landscape, and to underline its significance as a generator of cultural impulses.

The project showcases the diversity, scale and interdisciplinary potential of UdK Berlin, demonstrating how artistic practice, research and teaching operate at the intersection of art, science and society.

With a history spanning more than 300 years, UdK Berlin is one of Europe’s most established institutions for artistic and academic education. Today, it combines historical heritage with artistic excellence, scientific innovation and social relevance.

The result is a multifaceted image of the university as a vibrant, creative network that extends far beyond the campus into the urban community – shaping, influencing and actively helping to form the city of Berlin.