22.10.2025 | Press release by bbk berlin: “For art. More, not less.”
Cultural policy determination and international networking characterize the 75th anniversary of bbk berlin
"For art. More, not less."
On the occasion of bbk berlin's 75th anniversary, we celebrate historic successes and, with our newly elected board members Alex Lebus and Benjamin Zuber, look to the future with great motivation.
In her congratulatory remarks at the opening of the anniversary celebration, Cerstin Richter-Kotowski, State Secretary for Culture, highlighted the bbk berlin as a strong voice for Berlin's visual artists. She particularly praised the success in maintaining the Fund for Exhibition Remuneration for Visual Artists (FABiK) and the important role of the association's work in challenging times. “Those who lose studios lose artists,” she warned, adding:
“Art needs freedom. Fair conditions are a prerequisite for this.”
Bernhard Kotowski, Berlin's first studio representative since 1990, then looked back on the challenges of the city's history and emphasized: “I am optimistic that the studio office at the bbk berlin's kulturwerk is up to the challenges ahead.”
Heidi Sill, long-time spokesperson and first woman on the board, also congratulated the current spokespersons and encouraged the association's tireless commitment: The bbk berlin has achieved a great deal, but the discussion about the value of artistic work remains a topical issue.
This appeal underscores the relevance of actively defending the freedom of artistic practice. Frauke Boggasch, co-spokesperson for bbk berlin: “bbk berlin remains a reliable counterpart to cultural policy in Berlin, with a clear commitment to securing artistic freedom and the livelihoods of artists.”
Looking ahead is best done with allies
The board agrees that international exchange between bbk berlin, one of the largest interest groups for artists in Europe with over 3,000 members, and other professional associations should take on greater importance in the future. A start was made last Saturday with invited representatives from Austria, Norway, and Serbia in the public roundtable discussion “What's work got to do with it.” The panel took place as part of the Strategic Autumn of Solidarity.
Birgit Cauer, co-spokesperson for bbk berlin: “This cross-border networking strengthens the joint commitment within the artists' associations, some of which have a history dating back more than 100 years. Cross-border exchange is essential right now, at a time when art and culture must repeatedly be put on the political agenda.”
Since 1950, bbk berlin has been consistently advocating for the interests of visual artists in Berlin. Its founding coincided with the publication of the memorandum “Kunst in Not” (Art in Need), which documented the social situation of artists in the capital at that time. With its studio funding program, which began in 1991, and its subsidiaries kulturwerk and bildungswerk, bbk berlin now offers a unique infrastructure for professional visual artists throughout Europe. In view of the renewed political pressure on the independent scene, bbk berlin is pleased to be strengthening its networks with international partners.
Wibke Behrens, managing director of bbk berlin and its subsidiaries, is confident about the association's future: "Prominent congratulations from international allies and cultural policymakers recognize bbk berlin's commitment to the interests of Berlin's visual artists. They encourage us to maintain and acquire urgently needed studios, exhibition fees, and fair remuneration, as well as to continuously raise awareness of artistic practice as a profession among the general public."
Frauke Boggasch und Birgit Cauer,
Sprecherinnen bbk berlin
