2017,

ZK/U

Zentrum für Kunst und Urbanistik (KUNSTrePUBLIK e. V.)

2017, 2013,

2002

Siemensstraße

27

Berlin

10551

zku-berlin.org

OpenHaus, 2015, Foto: Lisa Johanna Thiele

FUSSBALLABALLA, 2016, Foto: Tanja Knaus

FB24, Foto: Tanja Knaus

To run a space is a form of appreciation of other artists, it is an outcome of friendship and mutual understanding; it is an indication of trust between all involved. To run a space means to take responsibility. To run a space is not only self-organization – money may not be vital to put up a show – but it is for sure necessary to animate a space and keep it alive. The prize comes due to hard and merited work, but maybe a grant would be more befitting than a prize? Maybe an iron scaffold holding up a structure in advance is better suited than a gold star for accomplishments? To run a space is a full time job. A group of artists who share their enthusiasm, interests, time, and skills would impart a project with a larger circulation of assignments between the makers. I am convinced that the longevity and success of a space relies on a horizontally organized (net) work.I wish that politicians would realize how important funding structures are and how much these can shape an art scene – shape a city.The Project Space Prize has not only saved many spaces and kept them alive for a longer period but basically generated a unique experimental and diverse art scene in Berlin. The Prize has also very much encouraged the founding of new spaces, fueled by the hope of receiving funding at some point. More than anything, it is an example of how much a certain public funding strategy can completely shape a local art scene.