Berlin’s cultural landscape thrives on its diversity of approaches and perspectives. Our institutions are essential connections between the independent and public art scenes and— in some cases for over 50 years—central presentation venues for contemporary art and its widely effective mediation in Berlin. Despite our different programmatic focuses—from experimental contemporary art to performative formats and discursive projects—we are united by a common goal: to create spaces where new artistic positions can emerge, grow, and become visible.

The planned cuts to the 2025 cultural budget by the Berlin Senate significantly exceed the originally expected 10% and jeopardize the existence of all publicly funded cultural institutions, including ours. Our budgets have long since reached their limits: inflation, skyrocketing energy costs, and rising rents have pushed us to the brink of what is feasible. Instead of strengthening culture, the Berlin Senate is forcing us to make drastic cuts that we can no longer compensate for. Jobs will have to be cut or left vacant, programs will be canceled, and artistic scope will be massively restricted. And 2025 is just the beginning. The cuts announced for subsequent years, which are likely to be even greater, would spell the end of our programmatic work if fixed costs remain the same or continue to rise.

There is a threat of essential infrastructure being dismantled and the simultaneous reduction of third-party funding at both state and federal levels. This will trigger a domino effect that will lead to a long-term impoverishment of cultural offerings in the city and further restrict access to culture regardless of income, more than ever before.

The unique cultural ecosystem that defines Berlin as a creative and diverse city worldwide is at risk of collapse. The living and working conditions for cultural professionals are becoming more precarious, and their prospects increasingly uncertain. For Berlin, this means less diversity, less inclusion, and less innovation.

Art is not a luxury that can only be afforded in prosperous economic times. Cuts weaken democracy. Culture is education, active enlightenment, and living diversity. Culture strengthens social cohesion, counters xenophobia, and is demonstrably a driving economic force. Cultural funding is directly reinvested into the city—in trades, services, and tourism.

The spaces where diverse perspectives meet through art and where new approaches are born must not be destroyed. In times of societal challenges, these places are indispensable.

We call for the preservation and strengthening of our institutions—and all cultural institutions—because they are the heart of our city.