Professionalization in the visual arts: The educational work of the bbk berlin in 2025

In 2025, the 'bbk berlin bildungswerk' held a total of 161 events as part of its in-person seminars and workshops, the Digital Campus, and the Strategic Autumn program, in which 1,360 visual artists participated.

Role in the professionalization of visual artists 

bildungswerk offers visual artists in Berlin a wide-ranging program of continuing education and training that strengthens both artistic practice and entrepreneurial skills. It supports the strategic, technology-based, and digital development of artists' own work while also teaching key tools for everyday professional life—from self-management, presentation, and communication to law, taxes, and accounting.

More about the bildungswerk 

bildungswerk is a non-profit subsidiary of the Professional Association of Visual Artists in Berlin and offers a comprehensive qualification and counseling program that is unique in Berlin and beyond. The programs are funded by the European Union and the State of Berlin within the framework of the European Social Fund (ESF+) as well as by grants from the State of Berlin's budget.

» View courses offered by bildungswerk

Benefits of funding

Thanks to funding from the European Union, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), and the State of Berlin, the bbk berlin bildungswerk is able to offer many courses at significantly reduced fees or free of charge to a professional group that often works under precarious economic conditions. This lowers barriers to access, enables low-income artists to participate, and ensures that training, counseling, and digital formats can be planned for the long term and implemented to a high standard of quality.

Looking ahead to 2026

Despite ongoing social and economic challenges, 2025 was a successful year for the bildungswerk des bbk berlin. Thanks to the dedicated collaboration of our team with artists, lecturers, participants, and partner institutions, we were able to further expand our program and adapt it to the current needs of artistic practice.

Looking ahead to 2026, the bildungswerk is continuing its work with great motivation to strengthen visual artists in their professional development in the long term and to actively shape the future of art in Berlin.

Have a great start to the new year, recharge your batteries, and feel free to book your next courses for a successful start to the year.

Best wishes from the bildungswerk team!