For developers, Berlin Art Week offers a fresh perspective on how to approach city-building with creativity, explore interdisciplinary solutions, and integrate cultural relevance into urban spaces. Discover how the spirit of Berlin Art Week can spark visionary approaches to shaping modern city spaces.
From September 13–18, 2016, Berlin will once again become the epicenter of the international art world, drawing collectors, gallerists, museum directors, and all who are captivated by the interplay of art, culture, and innovation. This fifth Berlin Art Week invites visitors to immerse themselves in Berlin’s dynamic art scene, with a rich lineup of exhibitions, performances, and installations that blend creative expression with social, technological, and political themes—a compelling source of inspiration for urban developers as they shape modern spaces.
A City-Wide Opening Night
The festivities kick off on September 15 with a grand opening that spans seven venues across the city. From 6 to 10 PM, major institutions like Berlinische Galerie, Deutsche Bank KunstHalle, and KW Institute for Contemporary Art debut exhibitions tied to the collaborative project STADT/BILD. At the iconic Neue Nationalgalerie, Allan Kaprow’s 1967 ice block happening will be restaged, offering a nostalgic nod to conceptual art history. Other highlights include the SchinkelPavillon’s reception for Paul McCarthy’s latest works and openings at key art associations n.b.k. and nGbK. The best part? These events are open to the public, free of charge.
The Abc Fair and Fresh Concepts
On September 17, the renowned abc art berlin contemporary fair takes center stage at Station Berlin, featuring programs from 100 galleries across 17 countries. This year, the fair unveils an architectural reimagining by Berlin-based June14 Meyer-Grohbrügge & Chermayeff, adding a dynamic layer to the viewing experience. A special addition to abc is Proximities and Desire, an exhibition that draws from private Berlin collections.
Simultaneously, Positions Berlin Art Fair opens at Arena Berlin, showcasing 78 exhibitors from 16 countries. The gallery association lvbg will also commemorate its 20th anniversary with Katzengold, an exhibition celebrating two decades of artistic collaboration.
Panels, Projects, and Prizes
Berlin Art Week is as much about dialogue as it is about display. On September 18 and 19, Talking Galleries hosts panel discussions that dissect the evolving role of galleries in a globalized art market, featuring thought leaders like Chris Dercon and Chus Martínez.
For a more grassroots experience, September 18 spotlights Berlin’s thriving project spaces. The Xchange Festival activates 10 experimental venues, while the prestigious Project Space Art Award honors 14 dynamic art spaces, including Grimmuseum, insitu e.V., and rosalux.
Amid these activities, a slew of standalone exhibitions adds depth to the week’s offerings. Highlights include CindySherman's iconic portraits at me Collectors Room, Alicja Kwade’s sculptural investigations at Haus am Waldsee, and the Preis der Nationalgalerie exhibition at Hamburger Bahnhof, which will culminate in the award announcement for one of four finalists: Christian Falsnaes, Florian Hecker, Anne Imhof, or Slavs and Tatars.
Beyond the Canvas: Art's Influence on Urban Development
Berlin Art Week underscores how contemporary art pushes boundaries, redefines norms, and explores fresh possibilities. For urban developers, the event offers a unique lens into the creative process, where bold experimentation and out-of-the-box thinking reign.
Just as artists investigate new perspectives and spaces, developers can glean insights into how to reimagine cityscapes, create vibrant communal areas, and explore how art influences the built environment.
Art becomes a bridge connecting social, scientific, and cultural realms, challenging developers to think beyond functionality and embrace creativity as a tool for innovation.
The Bigger Picture
Berlin Art Week thrives on collaboration, supported by the city’s Senate Administration for Economy, Technology, andResearch alongside cultural heavyweights like Deutsche Bank. From institutional showcases to independent experiments, the event encapsulates Berlin’s ability to foster artistic and urban reinvention.
For six days, the city will hum with the energy of creative exchange. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an urban planner, or a curious newcomer, Berlin Art Week 2015 promises an unmissable journey through the heart of contemporary art.
