Creative Internship in Berlin

I always wanted to move to Berlin but I often felt unprepared and unsure. Through my university, I found the Artbound Initiative which fit perfectly. I had a program that would help me find footing in a completely different city and I could often go to them for help, whether for my visa or advice on how to go about my internship. I can't imagine how stressful it would've been to have done it on my own. Now, I have a production company that looks after the people they work with and that has been invaluable.

I was placed with Freunde von Freunden, an online magazine that produces online multi-media content based in Berlin, Germany. From portraits, articles, podcasts, events and mix-tapes FvF seems to have a stake in a tonne of different projects which for me, was extremely enticing. I worked an in-house audio production intern and was given the opportunity to take on a multitude of tasks in this field. I was editing, mixing, mastering podcasts, designing sound for video portraits, composing & producing bespoke musical pieces for company showreels & promo materials. There was never a dull moment! I had flexibility and freedom to work in the office or from home depending on the task and felt both valued and supported by the company. The office was located right in the heart of the ultra-trendy Kreuzberg neighbourhood of Berlin, making for some cool adventures when going for lunch or commuting.

This internship has been hugely valuable in expanding my network in Europe as well as helping me broaden my professional skills. Due to the varied tasks I was asked to work on, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged to take on projects I never thought I would when in university. I am very proud of the work I’ve done with FvF and made valuable connections that have already helped me further my career.

With the help of Laura from ArtBound Initiative, my CV and portfolio are polished and refined. I have also been advised in the best way to approach interviews with prospective employers in the creative sector, and business etiquette. ABI have taught me a number of valuable lessons, from how to promote your work, how to network, even how to manage your social media to be more employable!

ABI’s network of interns also look out for each other and do whatever they can to help you settle in your new city. From banking advice, city registration or even where to find the best restaurants or events, they’ve got your back!

The ABI crew are really helpful and supportive. They're also pretty much available all the time and their response time is really quick. It's cool that they always organise gallery visits and meet ups for the interns. Through this you get to meet other artists and it makes the whole experience more comfortable.
I was working with two artists, a painter and a performance artist. The overall experience was great. I have learnt a lot of practical skills and now have contacts in Berlin that I can contact any time and I know that they will be supportive and give me the best advice. The artists are really friendly and welcoming. It didn't feel like I was working for them but with them which makes a huge difference. And I really enjoyed the fact that they allowed me to be involved in their work.

From helping me find a great internship placement to getting the chance to meet and network with amazing people, ABI has helped me in so many different ways. I am more comfortable working in an arts environment, with skills that prove that I am capable of good work. The idea of moving through this industry is no wonder daunting. With connections now abroad, I can start to create that professional network that is so vital in this industry.
I was placed with Momentum Worldwide located in Kunstquartier Bethanien, Berlin. They are a non for profit gallery that centres around time-based art and video art. It was founded by Rachel Rits-Volloch back in 2. I ran both their Instagram and Facebook pages, creating content and establishing a media schedule that promoted their exhibition Water(Proof). I also helped organise the exhibitions, contacting artists on a daily basis. I also got the opportunity to interview artists in their studios as another way to provide content for the gallery.I really enjoyed this as it was a way to network and establish connections, but also a way for me to improve my writing skills.
My confidence has grown so much because of this internship. While before I would have said that I think I am good at something, I can now say that I am good at it. I have also met some amazing people in Berlin, through meeting the other interns in ABI but also with my work in Momentum Worldwide. Having these connections will help me find future internships or work.

It was an amazing 2 months in which I earned many friends, experience and mentors. Berlin has become somewhere that I would relocate myself into since I enjoyed the art scene and my internship with the duo Jeschkelanger very much. I learned many things, gained many connections and also experience in surviving in the art world. As a student, it is difficult to get to know people actually in the current art scene and Artbound managed to get me smack bam in the middle of it, which I will always be grateful of. This experience has landed me in Venice at the moment, to participate with the duo in the Venice Biennale as their collaborator. As a person that assumed to be their intern, it was an amazing opportunity for me to collaborate as an artist to artist. I thank them very much and also Artbound for introducing me to these amazing people. Totally recommend to any student or person out there, wanting to not only further their career but gain a lifetime experience.

I had a great time interning in Berlin. I'm greatful to the Artbound team for helping me gain experience in the Berlin film Industry. I got to work on the set of a feature film where I met some incredible people. I worked in the office most of the time and got to analyse film scripts which I enjoyed the most.

I stayed in an amazing apartment building with students from all around the world. I chose to stay in a studio apartment but there are options for shared living if that works better for you.

The public transport is easy to use and I was able to travel between home and work pretty easily.

I had weekends off which allowed me to travel around Germany and learn more about the country's history.

I would recommend interning in Berlin. The experience is invaluable and one I will never forget.

ABI came along at a time when I was having great difficulty moving ahead in my early career within the arts in Australia. Offering the opportunity to gain international experience through a tailored internship, I was paired with an independent art house with an artist residency program in Berlin. This has been an invaluable experience, allowing me to utilize my skills as well as take initiative and explore varied responsibilites as a valued member of the team at my placement art house. ABI listened to my professional goals and interests and made sure to communicate with me through the entire internship process. The ABI program renewed my motivation and determination to forge a more defined arts career, and the support through the process of pre-departure (visa, travel arrangements, required documents) was excellent. As a result of my internship in Berlin, coordinated and supported by ABI, I am now pursuing a Freelance Arts Manager career in Berlin longer-term. I would recommend ABI for anyone who is seeking a more dynamic professional internship experience, and who is ready to apply themselves to make the most of the invaluable creative networks ABI provides.

ABI’s program has made establishing a career in a foreign country extremely easy. They had me lined up for various interviews and managed to get me a placement within a few days of the application process. After interning for 6 months, I’m now employed full time at the studio I was placed in. Career advancement is only a small part of what they offer us, I was regularly contacted to meet with directors and producers 1on1 as well as go to studio and gallery visits. Their program is designed to cover more than just the basics, offering us a large network, regularly checking in on us, and being there to help with any issues, be it professional, or personal. It truly is a full package and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to kickstart a career in a new place.