ARKAODA

Arkaoda was founded in Kadikoy, Istanbul in 1999. Over the past 20 years, it has developed into one of the most vital cultural spaces in that city, providing a meeting place for the curious and a home for progressive art and music. Now well established with a loyal following of visitors from Turkey and abroad, Arkaoda Istanbul is recognised internationally as an important institution for alternative culture. During those years, strong connections evolved with a like-minded community in Berlin and the idea was formed to bring this spirit to a second home. After a long search for a suitable location and the subsequent transformation of an old bowling alley in Rixdorf, Arkaoda Berlin opened its doors in January 2018. Since then, it has welcomed local and international artists from across the spectrum of independent music. Events take place seven nights per week across two floors. Downstairs, a modular space mutates nightly from concert venue into nightclub and back. Upstairs, the kitchen is used for regular pop-up food events, as DJs and acoustic musicians contribute a more gentle soundtrack for the bar and lounge area. In a single evening, a guest might easily enjoy dinner and drinks while listening to an online radio broadcast from the bar upstairs, then a live concert followed by a long night of dancing downstairs. The breadth of arkaoda’s programme is unparalleled among venues of its size in Berlin, showcasing not only DJs and live music acts but also visual artists, dancers and performers of all backgrounds and disciplines. Aside from music and food, previous events include photography exhibitions, workshops, readings, drag performances, flea markets and others.