What’s up urban practice?

actions, press, publication

Digital networking meeting with those affected by Berlin's culture cuts 12.02.2025

The Berlin budget cuts are (almost all) through and will dramatically change Berlin’s cultural landscape. How will this affect practitioners in concrete terms and urban practice in general? At the digital networking meeting, we analysed the current and future situation of Berlin’s cultural scene in order to prepare it for politicians and the administration.

Main points of the meeting:

Solidarity and resistance: The art and culture scene does not want to be divided, but instead wants to take joint action against the cuts.

Demotivation & precarious working conditions: Many cultural professionals are already working in precarious projects; the cuts are exacerbating insecurity.

Political relevance of projects in public space and lighthouse projects: the influence of cultural projects and the need to politicise urban space more strongly were discussed.

Strategies & solutions:

Alternative financing: International (EU) funding programmes could be a solution, but access is often complicated. A working group can share knowledge that has already been acquired.

Synergies with institutions: Houses with more stable funding should share resources and open up infrastructures for those affected.

Cultural visibility in public space: performative actions, ceremonies against the dismantling of already established structures, stronger political presence of art and culture.

Co-operation with new partners: Involvement of schools, social and educational institutions (and possibly churches and retailers) as supporters and multipliers for greater visibility.

Joint crowdfunding campaigns: creating platforms for collective financing and making them visible.

Upcoming actions:

#unkürzbar demo on 22 February: Major demonstration in Berlin against cuts in culture, youth and social services. Artistic and creative participation expressly desired. Urbane Praxis Block will be there.

You want to take part? Get in touch: https://t.me/+QeYQJnX_Q380ODAy Where? Berlin – Neptunbrunnen to Brandenburg Gate