Studio Berlin III: The Situation of Berlin’s Artists and the Gender Gap

Introduction

The research paper presents a comprehensive study focused on the situation of contemporary art and artists in Berlin, with a particular emphasis on the gender gap in the field of visual arts. The study is a follow-up to a pilot study conducted in June 2010 in collaboration with Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.) and aims to analyze the development of the art scene in Berlin and examine the conditions of the artists in the city.

Contemporary Art in Berlin

The study reveals that Berlin is an important contemporary art production center, second only to New York, and has experienced significant growth as an art metropolis. However, the research highlights various challenges faced by Berlin's artists, particularly in terms of the gender gap, precarious economic conditions, and the shortage of space for artistic practice. The study involved over 1,700 professional artists between the ages of 19 and 89, with 63% of the participants being women and 34% men. The average age of the participants is 47 years old.

Despite the growth of Berlin's art scene, the research findings indicate that the financial income resulting from artistic practice only fully covered the expenses of 20% of the artists in 2017. For all others, artistic practice proved to be a loss-making business, covering only an average of 44% of the expenditure incurred. The study also highlighted the significant disparity in income between male and female artists, with women earning even less than their male counterparts. The economic situation is particularly felt by female artists, who face greater challenges due to their share in parenting and family commitments.

Detailed Analysis

The study provides a detailed analysis of the demographics, living and working conditions, exhibition activities, artistic production, income, and various challenges faced by Berlin's artists. It also sheds light on the historical and cultural background of contemporary art in Berlin, tracing its development from the 19th century to the present day.

Recommendations

Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of creating a Berlin development plan for contemporary art that addresses the distinct challenges and needs of the city's artists. The paper recommends collaborative efforts between artists, cultural policymakers, and key stakeholders to develop sustainable and inclusive perspectives for the future of contemporary art in Berlin.

Summary of Study

Overall, the study highlights the complex and multifaceted landscape of contemporary art in Berlin, bringing attention to the gender gap, economic challenges, and the need for innovative measures to improve the economic and social conditions of the city's artists.

Development Plan and its Purpose

The research paper discusses the need for a development plan for contemporary art in Berlin, with a focus on creating conditions and perspectives for fruitful developments. The paper emphasizes the importance of enabling self-observation and learning in the visual arts, with a primary focus on the uniqueness of the art world and its own networks. The goal is not to define contemporary art and its key players, but to create a platform for formal exchange, goal-setting, and evaluation based on agreed criteria. The paper also highlights the significance of coordinating activities within the space where contemporary art unfolds, with the potential to gain greater visibility and become a reference for others. Drawing from the example of New York City's Cultural Plan, the paper emphasizes the need for inclusivity, particularly taking into account cultural and ethnic diversity.

The research proposes that a development plan for contemporary art can serve as a flexible map for future measures and goals, guiding both the political administration and the artists. Such a plan can also document success and consensus, as well as failure and dissent for later collaborations. Additionally, the need for institutionalized open spaces for dialogue on cultural policy is emphasized, bringing together all involved in Berlin's cultural policy, including self-organized cultural policy agents. The paper suggests that a development plan must be a dynamic navigation aid, considering the ever-changing circumstances of urban development. It also emphasizes the binding function of a development plan in institutionalizing cooperation between cultural policy agents.

Acknowledgments

The research acknowledges various individuals and organizations for their cooperation and support, highlighting the collaborative nature of the study. It expresses gratitude to the Professional Association of Visual Artists Berlin, the Senate Department for Health, Long-Term Care and Gender Equality, and boesner GmbH Berlin for their support. The paper also acknowledges the contributions and support from numerous individuals involved in cultural and artistic sectors, researchers, and artists, alongside the anonymous participation of 1,745 Berlin's artists in the survey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the paper underscores the significance of a development plan for contemporary art in Berlin, emphasizing its potential to guide future measures and goals, document success and failure, and institutionalize cooperation between cultural policy agents. It positions the plan as a dynamic navigation aid and underscores the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in the research.