15.06.2023
Press release
The area in front of the old cargo canteen at the disused Tegel Airport is set to become the capital’s newest cultural venue in 2023. A collective is now being sought to breathe new life into the 3,747 square metres of open space in front of the building.
Sebastian Eggler
In November 2020, a scheduled flight took off from Berlin Tegel Airport for the very last time. Since then, a new chapter has begun for the 500-hectare site in north-west Berlin. Step by step, the former airport grounds have been transformed into residential neighbourhoods, hubs for urban technologies and the Tegeler Stadtheide landscape area. Surrounded by areas designated for research, industry or recreation, the old cargo canteen stands on the airport’s former runway – hitherto almost forgotten. This building and its outdoor spaces also play an important role in the site’s development, as they are to be gradually developed for a variety of uses, including club culture, according to the plans of the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion. As part of a pilot project, the Foundation for Cultural Education and Cultural Consultancy, Kulturraum Berlin gGmbH and the Clubcommission are now seeking a collective to utilise the building’s 3,747 square metres of outdoor space for art and cultural events.
Between 9. and 28. June 2023, collectives and alliances of collectives may apply, provided they have the necessary experience in running an event venue, possess expertise in the areas of diversity, anti-discrimination and awareness, and are familiar with the challenges involved in organising and obtaining permits for events in Berlin. An independent jury will decide on the selection of the host collective based on the applications received. The collective selected for the TXL pilot site can expect rent-free access, an accompanying advisory and training programme, and the necessary basic facilities, including electricity and water connections. The collective will have a budget of 80,000 Euros available in 2023 to implement its concept. All information regarding the call for proposals can be found on the website of the DRAUSSENSTADT Call for Action.
The development of the Frachtkantine’s outdoor area into a sustainable venue for open-air events is the first step in a phased project by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion, which also envisages the long-term use of the canteen building itself. With this pilot phase, the TXL model site is set to be available as early as summer 2023 for a wide range of event formats, including live music, dance events, performances, film screenings, workshops and theatre performances.
The development of the TXL pilot site is funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion and implemented on its behalf through a collaboration between the office of the Berlin Project Fund for Urban Practice at the Foundation for Cultural Education and Cultural Consultancy, Clubcommission e.V. and Kulturraum Berlin gGmbH.
“The development of the former Tegel Airport site aims for nothing less than to become a place for everyone. People will work, learn, conduct research, live and spend their leisure time here. Sustainable urban development also means considering cultural use from the very outset. That is why the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion is committed to establishing a new and exciting venue on Berlin’s cultural map here.”
“It is our stated aim not only to preserve Berlin’s diverse club culture in its current form, but also to create new spaces and venues. To this end, it is of great importance to take culture into account when developing new construction projects. We are delighted to share this vision with our numerous project partners and that this first step towards the cultural development of the cargo canteen in Tegel has been a success.”
“Berlin’s diverse arts and culture scene is what makes the city attractive far beyond its borders. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult for artists to find affordable spaces and venues for their work. Creating such spaces is a key mission of the Stiftung für Kulturelle Weiterbildung und Kulturberatung and Kulturraum Berlin gGmbH. We are therefore delighted that, through this pilot project, we can help shape the development of a new, accessible venue for culture.”
Contact for enquiries:
Mandana Nazeri
Communications Officer
Berliner Projektfonds Urbane Praxis // DRAUSSENSTADT – Call for Action
+49 (0)30 3030 444 53