Opening of Kommunale Kapitale

17:30–18:00 Doors open  

18:00–18:30 Performance  


Bewirb dich ab sofort!
A performance by Sana Al Kurdi and Dachil Sado


The studio spaces are empty. Many artists are being forced to earn a living elsewhere, working harder than ever. But what happens when funding disappears from jobs where artists have long found employment: cultural education, community social work, inclusion, diversity and equality initiatives? The cycle grinds to a halt, and art and culture are not the only victims in the wake of widespread cuts.    



18:30–20:30
Panel discussion  
Kommunale Kapitale: On the Significance of Municipal Galleries in Berlin’s Visual Arts Scene  
Kommunale Kapitale commences with a panel discussion focusing on the role of municipal galleries in mapping Berlin’s visual art landscape amidst increasing challenges. In these uncertain times, the panel discussion aims to help reflect on the ways the fabric and structures of visual arts in Berlin are interwoven and mutually interdependent. The guiding questions are: What role does visual art play in the city? How do the various venues contribute to the functioning of the “art operating system”? And what particular significance do municipal galleries have in this context?  



A panel discussion with:  
-       Ingo Arend, journalist and critic for taz, monopol, Kunstforum International, Deutschlandfunk Kultur among others
-       Leonie Baumann, former Rector of Weißensee Academy of Art, Berlin and current Curator of the Capital City Culture Fund
-       Frauke Boggasch, spokesperson for bbk berlin
-       Yolanda Kaddu-Mulindwa, Director of Neukölln Municipal Galleries
-       Dr. Thomas Köhler, Director of the Berlinische Galerie  
Moderation: Fatima Çalışkan  



The event will be followed by Sounds – A Night of Artist Bands.  


Participation is free of charge.

Performance, panel discussion and Sounds are part of the Kommunale Kapitale – Aktionstage der Kommunalen Galerien Berlin (16.–19.10.2025).




Supported by the Department of Culture Neukölln with funds from Municipal Gallery Exhibition Fund of the Senate Department for Culture and Community