Welcome to Berlin, a city known for its vibrant art scene, cultural diversity, and creative expression. One unique aspect of Berlin’s urban culture is its artistic squats, which have become playgrounds for artistic collaboration, expression, and social experimentation. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual walking tour of some of Berlin’s most fascinating artistic squats, highlighting their historical significance and the role they play in shaping the city’s artistic landscape.
Section 1: The History of Berlin’s Artistic Squats
Even though the main message is quite clear, it is important to consider the history behind Berlin’s artistic squats which will be covered further on. The practice of squatting was born in the seventies when young artists and activists began to appropriate vacant buildings as their own mostly in the distant East of the city, largely destroyed by World War II and the Cold War.
These squatters wanted to revive the ways of dwelling and making art at all outside of the contexts of conventional capitalist commodification. The squats were started acting as Mecca for the countercultural activities as they brought individuals together by offering them shelter, freedom and place for their artistic expression.
1.7 Symbolic Artistic Homes: Tacheles
Tacheles is one of the most well-known Berlin squatted buildings: it is situated in Mitte. Tacheles which is established in 1990 after the tearing down of the Berlin Wall is often associated with the new political activism that was at the core of Berlin artist’s scene. This former structure was once a department store, but was renovated to become a large art complex with various specialised areas.
When you are in Tacheles for the first time, you could be forgiven for thinking that you are in a different planet. It has painted walls, filled halls with sculptures, installations, and a large number of art studios. Actually, you are free to navigate through the various floors, engage in contemplative installations, engage in performances or even concerts. Though Tacheles is a commercial art gallery and not a squat it captures the essence of Berlin art squatting and is a ‘must see’ for any modern art fan.
1.2 RAW site – an art and creative space
On to Friedrichshain, the RAW-Gelände is yet another representation of Berlin’s artistic squats Currently, RAW is a vibrant, creative complex but it wasn’t too long ago when it was an abandoned industrial site. Former railway repair yard located on several acres of land which is now covered artistic and cultural hub. It is characterized by clubs, art galleries, cinema and urban gardens.
RAW-Gelände a vibrant place for events, sales, such as flea markets, concerts to which people from the city and guests come. It’s a creative centre allowing people of any ages and backgrounds to share and create art, as well as promoting multi-disciplinary networking. Visit this Green open Space and feel the Artistic pulse of Berlin.
Section 2: The Influence of Artistic Squats in Berliner identity
The phenomenon of artistic squats is proved to be really important Berlin and the evolution of artistic districts in the city. In the course of last decade or so, art squat has become an indispensable of Berlin’s art scene and have led to the emergence of new art locality. Let’s explore some key aspects of the impact of artistic squats on Berlin’s cultural landscape:
2.1 Creating Counter-Cultures
Creatives squats give opportunities to people and groups which do not directly fit into society. These are familiar environments that allow artists to own the rights to express themselves as they wish. Most squats have been started by artists and are run by them from volunteers, expectedly because they sustain and support each other.
They are basically offering spaces for young artists and offering them opportunities to test out concepts, let alone giving them visibility to various communities. It provides a platform that accepts subversive practices and fosters artistic practices that disrupt the status quo.
2.2: Maintain/Protect our Cultural and Historical Structures/property
There is, however, another very important angle to the artistic squats in Berlin: A significant part of them is historical, and the artists protect them from demolition. Most of these squats occupy buildings that are left unutilized or dilapidated to the extent of closure avoiding their demolition. Squatters thus transform these spaces renewing their beauty and preventing their decay while adding to the history of these building.
Squatters, by taking over and renovating such structures also take over the space and open it to the public use from areas that were previously closed or inaccessible. This revitalization also succeeds in contributing to the profound value of Berlin as the city of distinctive culture and art.
Section 3: Top Ideas on How to Engage Berlin’s Artistic Squats
If you’re intrigued by the world of Berlin’s artistic squats and want to embark on a walking tour, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
3.1 Research and Plan
Before you start traveling you must check the information about all the artistic squats you are interested in, or choose the ones you are interested in beforehand. List down the ones that interest you and then create time to get lost in each of those realms. Some squats hold occasional event, workshop or exhibition, so have a look at official webpage or social profiles to check if anything planned during your visit.
3.2 Be Respectful
Always be mindful that artistic squats are not your usual touristic sites. Refrain from disturbing the artists and residents by not doing the things that they prohibit for good manners. Do not take pictures of others without their consent, touch or accidentally mark any artwork or interfere with any ongoing process. By paying attention to your neighbors and maintaining clean living spaces, you also help to sustain the atmosphere of openness and acceptance these squats promote.
3.3 Engage in Dialogue
Squatted places always attract dedicated artists who are more than willing to explain the work done, their inspiration and the general idea regarding the place. Do not be afraid to begin a conversation because you might be learning something new, or get information on events to take place with artists or get to meet people in the art industry. This dialogue adds value to the experience and also gives you the different perspectives on Berlin’s artistic squats.
Section 4: Conclusion
It is with great enthusiasm that you can run into art squats by booking a walking tour of Berlin, therefore getting in touch with the artistic spirit of the city. Starting from the Tacheles right up to the RAW-Gelände, artistic squats in Berlin have changed the face and meaning of the city and its buildings: they became spaces for art making, collective and creative practices.
So when you finally get acquainted with the story and legacy behind these squats, you will have a much better appreciation of the part they have played in forming Berlin’s cultural landscape. Therefore, pull on your sneakers and let yourself be guided by us to an extraordinary tour through Berlin’s creative, squatted buildings!
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