Berlin, the 12.10.2022
Art needs space! But which workspaces are actually suitable for artistic production? When is a space affordable? And what should existing and new spaces look like? The current needs assessment aims to explore these questions. The survey runs from 12 October to 6 November and is aimed at Berlin-based artists and creative practitioners in the independent scene working in the disciplines of performing arts, dance, literature, music, project spaces, as well as artists working across disciplines.
Take part at www.raumbedarf.berlin
The issue of space is a perennial political topic in Berlin and affects, not least, the artists from the independent scene who live and work here. Spaces are a fundamental prerequisite for being able to work. In order to highlight the needs of the independent scene, surveys and polls have already been carried out in the past by individual sector associations. Now, a participatory research approach is to be used to reassess current needs across all disciplines.
The last needs assessment as part of the State of Berlinâs Workspace Programme was carried out in 2014 by the Senate Department for Culture and Europe. The needs identified at that time still form the basis for planning new spaces for independent art production. Over the past eight years, demand has grown significantly and changed â due to rapid urban development and rising rents, it is simply impossible for many freelance artists to find or retain a suitable workspace. The assessment of space requirements provides an important tool for public-interest-oriented urban development that takes into account the needs of Berlinâs artists. For example, the design of existing and new spaces within the Workspace Programme is to be guided by the results of this survey. This includes, amongst other things, questions regarding what constitutes âaffordableâ and the role played by travel distances, urban location and the infrastructure necessary for the work.
The needs assessment will take place in two stages: first, an interdisciplinary research team collected qualitative data and initial findings through workshops and interviews. A questionnaire was then developed based on this. In the second stage, this questionnaire will be used to assess space requirements. To ensure the survey does justice to the work of independent artists, there is a particular focus on both discipline-specific and cross-disciplinary artistic practices in everyday life.
A campaign will launch on 12.10.2022 to reach as many artists and creative practitioners in Berlin as possible, because only by completing the survey can you make your needs visible â tell us what you need!
The survey is aimed at freelance artists with their main residence in Berlin and can be completed online from 12.10. to 6.11.2022 November. Further information about the needs assessment and the link to the survey can be found at: www.raumbedarf.berlin
Who is behind this?
The survey is being conducted by a research team on behalf of Kulturraum Berlin GmbH in collaboration with PROSA (Project for the Creation of Artistic Workspaces of the BĂŒndnis Freie Szene Berlin e. V.). The research team comprises the following individuals: Dr SĂ©verine Marguin, sociologist, TU Berlin; Dr Ing. Dagmar Pelger, architect, UdK Berlin/coopdisco; Dr Martin Schinagl, sociologist; Martha Ingund Wegewitz, urban designer, TU Berlin/coopdisco.
Two years ago, Kulturraum Berlin GmbH and PROSA were established to provide subsidised workspaces, production facilities and presentation spaces for the independent arts scene as part of the State of Berlinâs Workspace Programme. They are funded by the State of Berlin. Further information can be found here: https://kulturraeume.berlin
Contact for enquiries and campaign materials:
Jenny Nilén
Communications Officer
Kulturraum Berlin GmbH
Spandauer Damm 19
14059 Berlin
presse[at]kulturraumgmbh.berlin
Tel.: 030 30 30 444-63
Contact for PROSA:
Kerstin Quitsch, PROSA delegate to the Speakersâ Circle of the Coalition of the Independent Arts Scene Berlin
Mobile: 01765688307