Funding for culture in Berlin altered: Controversial anti-discrimination requirement withdrawn
In a recent development, the anti-discrimination funding clause, a contentious measure in Berlin's cultural scene, has been repealed. This decision, announced on Monday, January 22nd, was made in response to legal and critical voices that saw the clause as a restriction on artistic freedom.
The repeal of the clause, which required everyone applying for cultural funding in Berlin to adhere to the IHRA definition of antisemitism, has been met with mixed reactions. Some view it as a step towards promoting free speech and artistic expression, while others fear it could potentially limit legitimate criticism of the state of Israel.
The repeal is just the beginning, according to activist groups like Strike Germany. They continue to call for a boycott of publicly funded cultural institutions until they refuse to police the politics of their artists and overturn the anti-BDS resolution.
This call for boycott has been echoed by several artists. DJ Arabian Panther and DJ Hoyah have been involved in calls for boycotts against Berghain, with Arabian Panther accusing the venue of cancelling their show due to their stance on Palestine, and Hoyah announcing a boycott due to the venue's lack of statement on the conflict in Gaza.
The cultural divide in Berlin persists despite the repeal of the 'Auffassungsklausel'. Underlying disagreements about cultural funding, institutional roles, and political influences remain unresolved, reflecting broader societal and political tensions. Regarding boycott demands against state-funded cultural institutions like Berghain, these stem from disputes over their political stances or public policies, but specific organized boycotts or official institutional responses are not detailed in the current sources.
The Berlin cultural scene has been divided over responding to the conflict in Israel and Gaza for several months. Some left-wing spaces, including Oyoun, have been targeted for their stance. In response, Berlin mayor Kai Wenger plans to revisit the anti-discrimination measure on a 'legally secure' basis and aims to enshrine the fight against antisemitism into the Berlin constitution.
Joe Chialo, the Berlin Senator for Culture and Social Cohesion, signed a new anti-discrimination clause into effect early this month. However, the repeal of the previous clause suggests that the debate is far from over. The sense of division in Berlin's cultural scene looks set to continue.
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