Uferstudios 2208
A Future-Oriented Project within “Übermorgen – New Models for Cultural Institutions”
Uferstudios 2208 is the future-oriented initiative of Tanzfabrik Berlin BÜHNE, Uferstudios GmbH, and further partner institutions, developed as part of “Übermorgen – New Models for Cultural Institutions”, a funding programme by the German Federal Cultural Foundation. The goal is to secure the long-term viability of the Uferstudios as a central site for contemporary dance—structurally, legally, financially, and artistically.
The Uferstudios are a unique constellation of independent actors: ada Studio, HZT Berlin, Tanzbüro Berlin, die Tanzfabrik Berlin and the Uferstudios GmbH work side by side to create a space for artistic research, production, performance, and discourse. Since acquiring a 196-year leasehold in 2012, the site has been guaranteed for artistic use until the year 2208. However, the organisational structures supporting this space remain fragile.
With Uferstudios 2208, we are initiating a focused transformation process that seeks to develop and test new models of collaboration, financing, and governance. What could a hybrid institution for dance look like—one that responds flexibly to change while ensuring long-term sustainability? How can responsibility, decision-making, and resources be distributed in solidarity? And how can we build institutional resilience without losing artistic openness?
Challenges & Goals
The contemporary dance sector in Berlin continues to operate under precarious conditions. While other art forms benefit from stronger institutional support, dance remains dependent on unstable structures. Current shifts in cultural policy highlight the urgency of change: without structural transformation, central spaces like the Uferstudios are at risk.
Uferstudios 2208 sets out to explore key questions:
↪ How can we ensure the visibility, diversity, and autonomy of all partner institutions?
↪ What legal and financial frameworks support shared responsibility?
↪ How can we strengthen the relationship between local engagement and international exchange?
↪ How can we ensure the visibility, diversity, and autonomy of all partner institutions?
↪ What legal and financial frameworks support shared responsibility?
↪ How can we strengthen the relationship between local engagement and international exchange?
A Collective Process
A transformation team made up of representatives from all partner organisations will lead the project through a three-phase process:
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Analysis & Foundations (Summer/Autumn 2025):
Mapping the current state, researching organisational models, building shared knowledge.
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Dialogue & Development (Winter/Spring 2026):
Working groups with experts, participatory design sessions, scenario development.
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Synthesis & Decision-Making (Autumn/Winter 2026):
Designing viable structures, stakeholder feedback, preparing for possible implementation in a second programme phase from 2027.
Central to this process is a broad understanding of participation: freelance artists, political actors, association members, partner institutions, and cultural policymakers are actively involved. Openness, feedback culture, and institutional learning guide this transformation.
An Institution for the Future
Uferstudios 2208 stands for a vision of an open, plural, and resilient cultural space—built to last not despite, but because of its many voices. The project aims to strengthen existing resources, invite new impulses, and establish a sustainable foundation for Berlin’s dance scene—until 2208 and beyond.