A shared artist studio in the quaint up-and-coming neighborhood of Wedding hosts a fabulous salon and brunch once a month for about 40 guests. (It kind of feels like a singles mixer from some prior decade, but for English-speaking artists.) I was nervous attending for the first time because I didn’t know anyone, and the invite seemed very intimate. Turns out, everyone was very friendly and chatty. There were so many emails flying around, they could have poked an eye out. The food was absolutely delicious too. Most of the people I met were expatriates from France, Iceland, the UK, or the US. Many of them settle in Berlin because it is so affordable, or they are students or scholars completing their studies.
I’ve been lucky enough to tag along on some friends of friend’s parties and such over the past couple of months (see pic from previous post). And all the kids I’ve met are the usual- student, scholar, or artist, oh and a dressmaker.
The expatriate community seems very close-knit and it strongly supports itself. Newcomers are welcomed and offered extensive advice and help. There are also numerous English-speaking forums and groups widely used throughout the country. It makes Berlin feel very attainable. If it weren’t for the day-to-day language barrier, I would feel right at home.
Another community I am excited to be encountering is the artist-run initiative. There are dozens of spaces in Berlin that are focused on multi-disciplinary programming, experimental projects, and communicating among personal networks. These spaces are beginning to communicate and/or collaborate with other groups internationally as well.
I am attending a conference this weekend called Art Swap Europe http://artswap-europe.eu/ and I am amazed by how many European artists travel around. It feels so very international!
I continue to realize the importance of activism when it comes to experimentation. I think it is important for these artist-run initiatives to promote participation, to support non-traditional ideas, and to entice argument or conversation, rather than organize a gallery to show your work and your friends’ work with the intention of profit. There is a difference.
These different communities that mobilize and congregate through similarities are a vital aspect of Berlin. Exchange is at the heart of their intent.
