A large majority of Berlin-based artists are trying to resist the economic displacement of spaces for artistic experimentation. However, their language is sometimes forced to conform to a similar logic, as workplaces and artistic networks are labelled as “creative hubs” and “cultural capital.” In the struggle against the gentrification of spaces for living and working, these same spaces necessarily become subject to the cultural economy’s valorization process. What is the price to pay for entering the political bidding war for space? What is the relationship between cultural and monetary capital? Are both sides of the conversation on equal terms? (Editors Note: No, we’re far from that…)
Art Shares & Common Wealth
Parallel to the exhibition On Equal Terms, Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.) will present on the spot a complete set of Kunstaktien (art shares) – original artworks designed by 132 artists to serve as stocks for securing partial ownership of the Uferhallen complex. The Kunstaktien were produced in 2011 with the intention of protecting the shares from speculation by diversifying ownership. By acquiring 24 of the Kunstaktien, Neuer Berliner Kunstverein was able to become the biggest minority shareholder. Still, the sale of the Uferhallen site in 2017 could not be prevented, and a squeeze-out forced all other owners to sell their shares in 2022. The Kunstaktien ultimately made a decisive impact on the talks between the majority owners, the district of Berlin-Mitte, and the Berlin Senate to secure the future of Uferhallen as a space for culture and artist studios.
The group show On Equal Terms examines, among other things, how art deals with mechanisms of the partly voluntary, partly forced commodification of cultural and artistic values. The exhibition will showcase works by approximately 25 artists from Uferhallen.
Video screenings:
August 7, 14 & 21, 2022, 20 h
From the collection of the n.b.k. Video-Forum
Group exhibition:
September 15 – 25, 2022, Opening: September 14, 2022
Kunstaktien exhibition
September 15 – 25, 2022,
Opening: September 14, 2022
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On Equal Terms, As part of Berlin Art Week 2022
On Equal Terms is an event series by Uferhallen e.V. and is funded by LOTTO-Stiftung Berlin. Video screening program in cooperation with the Video-Forum of Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.), as part of Kultursommerfestival. The Kunstaktien exhibition is a project by Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.), funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Europe
Uferhallen e.V.
Uferstraße 8 – 11
13357 Berlin
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One response to “Exhibition: On Equal Terms”
[…] Der Palast der Republik ist zudem Anlass, nach Macht und Teilhabe zu fragen und die Bedeutung von symbolpolitischen, identitätsstiftenden Orten in der Gegenwart zu diskutieren – eine Frage von großer Aktualität. […]