Mind The Space. Project Space Art Award

About

Netzwerk freier Berliner Projekträume und -initiativen (Network of Free Berlin Independent Project Spaces and Initiatives) has existed since August 2009 and was registered as a non-profit association in 2015. The goal of the network is to establish a long-term structure that fosters new forms of cooperation and exchange, articulating interests on the political level and acting to improve working conditions. 

Bar Babette: Once a beauty parlor, today a bar for those interested in art and culture. The interior design is kept in its original 1960s and 1970s style. Readings, art exhibitions, film events, and fashion shows take place in the completely glazed space and behind the huge windows. 

c/o  KUNSTPUNKT  BERLIN – Galerie für aktuelle Kunst was founded by Heinz G. Herpel in what was then the upcoming gallery district Mitte-Nord. Since 2016, three spaces with around 300 square meters have been available to the Netzwerk freier Berliner Projekträume und initiativen for their own exhibitions and events.  

15 SEP

Panel, "It's Spacetime",  from 5.30pm

Film screening on the topic of urban space, 7—7.30pm 

Award Ceremony, 7.30—9pm

Project Space Party / Performances, from 9pm—open end

Panel, "It's Spacetime"

Can independent project spaces and initiatives escape the imminent threat of being pushed out of the city? What measures, concepts and connections will it take to prevent this from happening? Now is the time for action – and vision!

Host: Bianca Herrling

Participants:
Dr. Torsten Wöhlert (State Secretary for Culture, Berlin)
Daniela Brahm (artist)
Matthias Einhoff (project space operator ZK/U)
Tashy Endres (urban researcher)
Sebastian Schlüter (Humboldt Universität Berlin, Geography Department)
Manfred Kühne (representative of the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing)

The squeeze is on! The mechanisms of gentrification associated with the capitalist system are rapidly gaining momentum in the growing metropolis of Berlin.  Always more of a quiet ‘village’ despite its vibrant cultural scene, Berlin has now been almost completely carved up and sold off. And any hard-won ‘creative status’ is now up for negotiation, as the situation becomes precarious for art-makers who rely on spaces outside of their own living quarters to be able to work.  Spaces that are now being taken over by the rich! What kind of activism is advisable? Who must the initiators of project and art spaces convince and with what concepts? Is the job of convincing really their concern? Is every story over at some point? For instance, that of the ‘global capital’ of independent project spaces and initiatives? Initial indications of a change in policy – an ‘Agenda Room’ dedicated to supporting multidisciplinary work spaces – are perhaps a tentative sign of good will. But is the matter really receiving enough attention and support? Or can the urban space only be reclaimed through squatting? It is high time to turn our attention to the question of (free) space – ‘Mind the Space’ – let’s get down to it!