Berlin has long been known as one of Europe’s leading creative capitals, attracting artists from around the world with the promise of freedom and opportunity. Even when it can’t keep this promise.

In 2025, Berlin introduced significant cuts to its cultural budget, reducing financial support for artists and independent spaces. At the same time, access to affordable studios is becoming even more limited. In one recent funding round, only 47 studios were available for more than 1,400 applicants, emphasizing the growing competition within the city’s art scene.

Financial stability is becoming harder to achieve. Support structures are shrinking, and many artists can no longer rely on their work alone to sustain themselves. Instead, they balance creative practice with other jobs, navigating a system where visibility, income, and opportunity are uncertain.

This raises a question: what does it mean to build a life as an artist in Berlin today? And how do artists juggle their side jobs with their passion?

Link to production: https://youtu.be/u5iYnyTV6mU