About us

What is Kultur Räume Berlin?

Kultur Räume Berlin is an alliance consisting of senate administration, independent art scene, non-profit real estate sector, and the specially founded Kulturraum Berlin gGmbH.

Together we are working against the displacement of independent artists due to rising rents and a lack of available spaces. We achieve this by developing, securing and allocating subsidised artistic workspaces to professional Berlin-based artists.

The studio rental programme, founded in 1993, was the first to provide and secure studio space in the form of publicly funded commercial space for professional visual artists. Since 2016, studio spaces, music studios, rehearsal and dance spaces as well as project spaces have been developed and secured through the Workspace Programme (ARP). From 2016 to 2018, the Arbeitskreis Räume (AKR) of the independent scene successfully continued these activities.

In 2020, Kultur Räume Berlin was founded to secure workspaces for the independent art scene with the help of a strong network. Since 2021, this alliance manages and develops the Workspace Programme of the Senate Department for Culture and Europe further. As a cooperative alliance of stakeholders from administration, the real estate industry and the independent art scene, the Workspace Programme can now be implemented quicker and more flexibly than ever before.

What we do

Needs assessment

We create surveys and evaluations concerning the specific space requirements across all art disciplines to ensure a needs-based approach. We work closely with the independent art scene in order to optimise our offering according to their actual needs. Furthermore, we strive to consistently develop the funding programme in accordance with our findings.

Acquisition and renting

Whether public or private buildings, we acquire offers, evaluate whether the spaces are suitable as artistic workspaces and rent them. As the general tenant, Kulturraum Berlin gGmbH bears full responsibility and is therefore a reliable partner for property owners.

Utilisation concepts

We develop an individual utilisation concept for each building that is included in our portfolio. In this way, we ensure that the range of spaces on offer meets the specific requirements of future users. Particularly for locations where spaces are being developed for several disciplines, as well as for larger locations with different user groups, well-thought-out and sustainable concepts are essential for smooth interaction.

The basis for the individual concepts are the local conditions and the current space requirements. The aim is to create attractive spaces in Berlin for artists and the immediate neighbourhood.

Allocation

We organise medium and long-term allocation of funded spaces for all art disciplines in regular calls for applications. On our website, artists can find out when new spaces are advertised and apply directly online. In the context of the calls for applications, we also offer viewings of the spaces, either digitally or, if possible, on site. The allocation of spaces within the framework of the workspace programme is carried out by professional and independent advisory boards.

Consultation

Are you interested in applying for a space from Kultur Räume Berlin? We provide consulting services for Berlin-based independent artists on the application process, funding conditions and general questions on how to use our platform. You can also contact us if you are in danger of losing your current workspace.

Book a free consultation

Our Mission