In collaboration with Zeitgenössischer Tanz Berlin e.V. and external guests, the project RESIST! hosts weekly “Assemblies” from March 5 to May 7: every Thursday evening** from 5–7 pm, everyone interested is invited to gather at Uferstudio 5.

The focus of the Assembly on 19.03. is public arts funding: How is it structured, what opportunities exist for political influence, and how might it develop? The political steering potential of public arts funding is often underestimated in public discourse—but not by the New Right, whose motto is “first culture, then politics.” Through an abstract introduction to the legal framework of public arts funding, we aim to create an understanding of decision-making processes and possibilities for political shaping. Following this, future scenarios developed with cultural practitioners will be presented, revealing hypotheses about vulnerabilities in arts funding. These scenarios serve as a basis for further discussion: What impacts lie ahead for culture, and what does this mean for society? What opportunities and risks emerge, and what courses of action are available?

With the format of the “Assemblies,” we aim to offer the independent scene space and time for broader cultural and political exchange. While digital connections tend to encourage fast, largely anonymous and individualized expressions of opinion, we choose to invest in real social cohesion. Through the “Assemblies,” we create a solidaric setting in which reflection and discussion can take place live and on site. Together, we want to explore how we can sustainably defend artistic freedom — in the face of current cuts to cultural funding and the normalization of right-wing positions within wider society.

During each assembly, the Freelance Dance Ensemble Berlin will give a 10-15 minute presentation calling on all dance and cultural professionals to make their changed realities visible. More information here.