Berlin has always been a metropolis, presenting itself at its best with its cultural life. Even during the 1920s, the city exhibited a unique, fresh, cheeky and provocatively daring style. In a way, the combination of long-standing cultural institutions and a modern, experimental art scene is traditional in itself. The question of whether Berlin as a city has influenced a multifaceted cultural life or whether the wealth of diversity and variety has helped Berlin become one of the most creative and multifaceted cultural cities in Europe might be a contentious one.
C U L T U R E – this term includes lots of different things: museums, theatres both large and small, opera, musical, dancing, literature, film, fashion, street festivals, open-air concerts and plenty more. Not every city can provide just about everything – Berlin, however, can.
A Beginning: The „Golden Twenties”
The foundations of a rich cultural scene were laid in the 1920s during the Weimar Republic. Free from censorship, Berlin developed an incredible wealth of cultural offerings that were quite beyond comparison. The so-called avant garde scene set the agenda, causing a rapid upsurge. Artists came to Berlin seeking a chance to develop their artistic ideas at will. One large part of it was a form of political-aggressive realism, accompanied by open criticism of society and its injustices. An optimistic, culturally experimental spirit was widely spread, engendering extravagant celebrations, hedonism and sexual liberation. The very first it girls were born at this time, with bobs, long cigarette holders and knee-length glittering flapper dresses that caused a stir, inspiring other women with a new sense of self, independence and freedom.
Critical Artists Were Providing a Breeding Ground for Berlin’s Future Endeavours
In theatres, literature, and painting, expressionist artists illustrated how people were subsisting as puppets and devices – as mere matter. At the time, this was a revolutionary concept. Bertolt Brecht’s Dreigroschenoper (The Threepenny Opera), unique to this day as a modern opera, may be the best example of social criticism originating from this era.
For the first time, paintings and works of art had been made accessible for a large audience. The problem of poverty and hunger was addressed and became more and more relevant . The avant-garde supported the cause, although it was mostly on a whim as it was considered fashionable. With a caviar canapé in hand, social injustice was discussed at great length. Nevertheless this segment of society steadily gained more influence during the twenties.
Berlin’s Culture of Present Times Has Its Roots in the Past
The transcending spirit of cultural life in Berlin has extended and evolved into the present. Today’s cultural scene has not come out of nowhere. In a manner of speaking, Berlin’s cultural scene has its own multiplier, enabling it to soar to new heights easily. Artists especially find a rich banquet of creative pursuits.
The form of presentation has changed a great deal. Common people are invited to contribute and become a part of an artistic community, or artists are directly contacted and asked to participate in various projects. In any case, the citizens of Berlin have abided by their love of experimentation.
Street festivals have received a lot of attention. Likely one of the most famous events is the „Karneval der Kulturen” (carnival of cultures). No other city is better fitted for an urban street festival representing the diversity of the population. Since 1996, a multicultural celebration is held in the Kreuzberg district over the course of four days, with many musical and choreographic performances. The performers, decorated for their achievements, have become famous for their authenticity and imagination.
During the „Gallery Weekend Berlin” more than 50 galleries are inviting art enthusiasts from all around the world, showing artworks of all kinds originating from Berlin’s creative community. Involvement of renown and select galleries has led to the event’s great success in previous years. By now, 1.000 international and national guests are looking to sponsor promising artworks, projects and artists. An El Dorado for aspiring performers and artists of any kind! These days, the event ranks as a secret highlight among insiders.
Whenever it comes to Berlin, the Wall of Berlin also plays a part. The „East Side Gallery” is solely focused on the preservation of the Wall of Berlin and the paintings covering it as a legacy to posterity. In more than a hundred, east-facing paintings along the wall, artists have interpreted and depicted political changes, creating a unique contemporary document.
For fashionistas, designers and couturiers, Berlin is the just the place to be. Since the establishment of the Fashion Week in 2007 – also known as Berliner Modewochen – the success of young designers cannot be detained. The Fashion Week is mentioned in the same breath with London, Milan, Paris, and New York. Collections are not only presented by international luminaries but also by up-and-coming designers who have succeeded in founding start-up companies and creating new jobs. Coming from Berlin, many of these talented couturiers have conquered the world’s most notorious cat-walks.
A Culture of Berlin’s Culture
While the forms of performance and presentation of art have changed greatly since the 1920s, international interest and and self-conception of art in Berlin remain unchanged. It’s where the party is started, in the cultural centre of Europe.
