ART & SCIENCE PROGRAMME

Here’s a quick overview of the key deadlines for your application and participation: 

• Application Deadline: 15 June
• Public Consultation: tba
• Notification of Acceptance: by August
• FORUM Dates: 7–9 November 

We are seeking inspiring event proposals that engage with this year’s theme: BEYOND NOW. 

We welcome innovative proposals that bridge science with art, culture, and society – proposals that offer critical perspectives and open new spaces for dialogue. Please ensure your contribution aligns with our Guiding Principles. 

You can present your project in the following formats: 

• Workshop
• Performance
• Film Screening
• Pop-Up Stand
• Field Trips / Guides Tours
• Panel Discussion
• Talk 

Details about event duration and other organisational aspects can be found in our FAQs below. 

Note: We are unable to accept fixed installations or proposals requiring major production adjustments. 

Holzmarkt 25 offers a versatile and creative setting for a wide range of event formats. The following spaces are available: 

+ Main Stage: The largest and most versatile stage at Holzmarkt – ideal for high-impact formats with a seated audience. 

• Fully equipped event hall with large stage (6x4m at 80cm height)
• Seating for 120+ people
• Included: projector, sound system, lighting
• Possible formats: performances, panel discussions, film screenings, talks
• Duration: 30–120 minutes 

+ Studio: A cosy space for more intimate formats – perfect for conversations, screenings, or small performances. 

• Equipped studio and small stage for up to 3 speakers
• Seating for 40 people
• Included: projector, sound system, lighting
• Possible formats: film screenings, talks, small-scale performances
• Duration: 30–90 minutes 

+ Cabins: A wooden cabin with two rooms – a quiet setting for focused formats in small groups. 

• Space for up to 20 people
• Equipped with screen and sound system
• Possible formats: workshops, small-scale performances
• Duration: 30–180 minutes 

+ Pop-Up Booth: Simple wooden huts (4 m²) in the outdoor area – reminiscent of classic Christmas market stalls – ideal for informal, creative, low-threshold formats: 

• Open on all three afternoons for a curious public audience (up to 8,000 visitors over three days)
• Equipped with: radiant heater; table and chair available upon request
• Requires own setup and materials, adapted to the booth format
• Must be actively staffed and facilitated throughout the afternoon sessions
• Possible formats: interactive games, tastings, small artefacts, playful exchanges 

+ Outdoors: Unique open-air areas at Holzmarkt – including spots by the river, near the bar or hidden corners. 

• Suitable for experimental and site-responsive formats
• Possible formats: mobile workshops, performances, walks
• Combine with other locations for hybrid/field-based formats 

We’re looking for creative and cross-disciplinary event proposals at the intersection of art and science that engage with this year’s festival theme BEYOND NOW. Proposals will be evaluated based on: 

• Artistic and Scientific Quality
• Clear connection to this year’s festival theme, BEYOND NOW
• Feasibility within the FORUM Setting
• Innovation, interdisciplinarity, and diversity of perspective 

We particularly welcome proposals that introduce underrepresented perspectives, experiment with format, or open dialogue between disciplines and communities. 

We prioritise proposals that have not been previously showcased in Berlin, ensuring a fresh and unique experience for our audience. 

During the submission of your proposal, we ask you to state a preference for a stage (see above). The Berlin Science Week team will allocate the final times and spaces once the selection of events has been made. Rest assured, we will find the best options that work for both you and the programme as a whole. 

We’ll ask for your preferred timeslot during registration. Most formats work well within 30 minutes to 1,5 hours, but if you have something different in mind, we’re happy to be convinced! 

Yes, everybody should be confirmed.

If you have more people involved in the realisation of the event, you are the contact person for the whole group. You are expected to communicate all relevant information to your team and the Berlin Science Week team. 

We provide logistical and technical support on-site during the three days. However, you handle the coordination of all logistical and technical aspects prior to the event (such as ordering materials, transport to the location, accommodation, and transport for collaborators, etc.)

Berlin Science Week offers limited presentation fees, prioritising independent projects and individuals who rely on this support. Please note that we do not cover production or adaptation costs.

Please indicate your actual required fee in the registration form.

Fees are based on the recommendations of the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion. We follow the official Honoraruntergrenzen (see download) as minimum standards, but you are encouraged to state what you truly need. We will assess whether it can be covered within our limited budget.

You are welcome to apply as an individual, initiative, or institution:

• If you are freelance or part of an unfunded initiative, you are eligible for an honorarium.
• If you are employed by an institution without available funding, you can still apply and indicate that no fee is required — participation will still be free of charge.
• If your institution has funding to rent a slot, please refer to our Partnership Opportunities document.

We aim to enable participation across contexts — while ensuring our limited resources go to those who need them most.

In exceptional cases, we may also be able to cover travel and accommodation costs for independent projects. If this applies to you, please let us know in the registration form.

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to help with visa applications. In exceptional cases, we can provide a letter of invitation. 

No. We only accept proposals that meet our deadline and have been submitted through our application link. 

We will inform you in the beginning of August 2025 via e-mail. 

No. You are responsible for your session.   

Once a proposal has been selected, you will become responsible for the coordination of the event alongside Berlin Science Week. This includes:  

• Being the contact person for the Berlin Science Week team 
• Providing us with information in accordance with our timeline 
• Creating the event page and people profiles on our website 
• Coordinating the production and organisation of the event, including the coordination of all people involved in your event 
• Ensuring that all event production and logistical aspects are taken care of – such as the production of materials for the event, transport and deliveries to the venue, insurances, legal obligations (clearing copyright issues, GEMA registration, etc.), as well as travel plans and accommodation (if applicable)  

However, if there are any problems or queries, we're happy to give you some advice.