Meet up for all those of an artistic bent

Hi all!

I'm going to be moving to Germany in May/June, most likely to Munich. I'm a semi-professional artist and I'm trying to gauge the art scene in the city. Is ther much of an art scene in the city? I've been told to head for Berlin, not Munich, but I'm finding it hard to find good solid job/renting information there and Munich appeals to me as it's more central in regards to other European countries (espically Austria, where the world bodypainting festical takes place in July - Woo Hoo!)

So what's the scene in Munich - any artists in the house?!

Thanks in advance!

Paul.

You have been told correctly - go to Berlin. There are lots of unemployed arty people contemplating what life means (and other such things) up there. One reason is probably because rent is almost 1/3 of what it is in Munich. You could fly anywhere in Europe you wanted every week and it'll still be cheaper to live in Berlin compared to Munich.

I really haven't met many artists here at all. A lot of IT people, though.
Munich is quite conservative and rather expensive.
With this said, I also suggest Berlin. I came here because of my boyfriend's school, but if I'd had the choice, Berlin's where I'd be.
Housing really shouldn't be a concern in Berlin. In Munich it can be quite a challenge to find somewhere affordable. Berlin is where it's at.

More about the art here; it depends a bit what you're in to.
I know some folks that are into the music scene and have bee quite successful. See, that's the thing. Munich doesn't have the flood of artists that Berlin does, so if you want to have an opportunity to shine (and speak German) Munich probably wouldn't be absolutely horrible.
But then you go to a concert... or try to go. And they're expensive... sold out... etc. Maybe the city is actually just dying for artists.
If it's what you're feeling, give it a try.

Oh! But now I see you're from Dublin. Compared to Dublin, Munich is probably a bit cheaper and more cultured.
Now I'm jut rambling...

There is a good art scene in Munich...it just took me a few years to find it after studying at the Akademie and getting to know people. It's right that the expensive costs of living send a lot of artists away from Munich, but there are many who remain. Most do find ways around it by sharing smaller studio spaces and working longer at their day job etc. I would say that although it's not exactly wild here like Berlin, there are other things that make up for it. Generally there are many people who are interested in art (thinking back to the long lines of people waiting to get into the newly opened pinakothek a few years ago) and there are some good exhibitions. There are many opportunities to get funding for projects from the mass of companies.

Not an expert by any means, I have an aquantaince that makes a living as an artist in Munich, it is definately doable for some people at least. There are a lot of commercial galleries aside from the museums. Its true Berlin is very popular with artists but one could pretty much swap the word 'artist' for 'layabout' in most cases. Berlin is cheap because there is no work there, and that might have implications for the sort of customers you have as an artist.

My guess is that the calculation you would have to make is how quickly can you get yourself connected to the local arts scene.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responces. Still torn between the two cities: I'm neither a layabout nor a professional artist, which means at some point I'll want/need a job that probably won't involve art. I'm hoping to have conversational German at least by the time my four months comfort-money runs out to at least get something basic. Probably trickier in Berlin!

Thanks for the input though - it has made things a bit easier.

Paul.

to find the "good stuff" in munich, you got to dig deep. Head to the area of "sendlinger tor"... I found the most interesting types kick it in the trenches of that neighborhood. There is a fair amount of minimalists that seem to thrive in munich, but that may indeed be all of germany. It really depends on what art your looking for as well. I also found that there are some tremendous graffitti artistd spraying their pieces around town here as well. The back alleys of kult fabrik are of particular interest. Though, i must admit... being from new york, i found the art culture here a bit dry. The kids dont take chances. German culture has a way of crushing ideas and individuals that stray from the norm... So like i said before, you have to dig deep to find the people that are really doing something interesting.

best of luck!

By the way, tomorrow starts in Munich the third Urban Art & Media Organisation Festival

I live in Munich and am seekig out other artists/ creative persons. I have an advert on here to start a creative circle, using Julia Cameron's book, "The Artist's Way". I am a writer and have started several groups in cities in America and have always found these circles to be great creative inspiration and encouragement. I am a writer and in my last circle in Dallas we had an ex-ad agency president turned artist (draws and paints); an english teacher who writes poetry and paints and acts; a housewife who paints, a corporate lawyer who began dancing and other assorted musicians, writers and persons just wanting to get back in touch with their inner artist, if you will. I think we are all born artists/ creative and somewhere lose the joy in this. ANyway - I am still interested in forming such a circle!

This is a meet-up in a small biergarten for all those artists, writers, poets, musicians, chefs, designers, photographers, scrap bookers, and anyone else who has a creative deisre or a longing to reconnect with a creative endeavor or passion. We are hoping to form a regular group for encouragement and sharing. This is a small biergarten so no problem in finding us! Also the biergarten is <1 minute from Scheidplatz Ubahn stop!

Taverne Athen‎ -
Belgradstr. 105, 80804 München, Germany - 089 3083936

Please Let us know you are coming - or if you want to come in the future!

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Great! I will be there and bring some friends. And maybe my guitar...

I'm game! See you on tuesday!

Must be more creative types out there - authors, poets, painter, photographer, chefs...quiltmakers...

June 10 @ 7:00PM

This is a meet-up in a small biergarten for all those artists, writers, poets, musicians, chefs, designers, photographers, scrap bookers, and anyone else who has a creative deisre or a longing to reconnect with a creative endeavor or passion. We are hoping to form a regular group for encouragement and sharing. This is a small biergarten so no problem in finding us! Also the biergarten is <1 minute from Scheidplatz Ubahn stop!

Taverne Athen‎ -
Belgradstr. 105, 80804 München, Germany - 089 3083936

Please Let us know you are coming - or if you want to come in the future!

actually, i won't be able to make it tomorrow due to a project but i will come next time i'm free. please let me know how it went!!

unfortunately, i can't make it tonight. but i would love to attend in the future!

Someone asked if this event was on and I just want to say...YESSSSS!!!

We will be there - creative juices flowing!

Put me on the list of people who want to come in the future. I miss being able to talk about art with people!

I also would love to come (too bad I found out about it tonight). Creativity seems to be lacking in my life at the moment.

I think we hada good turnout for meeting #1

three writes - A scot, a texan and a south african

a singer, songwriter - also a yank

and a photographic luter (maker of lutes) from halifax Canada

Look for another meet-up in a couple of weeks, but in a new locale.

Open to sugesstions on place and forum!

Michael

I probably won't join you next time. I think "anyone of an artistic bent" might just be too broad (insert quip about gun law arguments here).
anyway, good luck and have fun with it.