As an artist in a new city, where do You go to find like-minded individuals? The good news is, Berlin is a cultural hub that attracts the traditional and the avant-garde, so even if You struggle to speak the golden ticket that is near-native, “C2” German, rest assured, You are in safe hands.
With its rich history and vibrant art scene, Berlin has many safe spaces that nurture artistic expression, foster community, and provide a safe sanctuary to struggling artists and people living unconventional lifestyles. And it’s not just for artists; we could all use a safe space because the benefits of being part of a community improve Your mental and psychological well-being.
A safe space for artists is an environment where people feel free to express themselves without fear of judgement, discrimination, or persecution. In Berlin, these spaces are characterised by inclusivity, respect, and a commitment to fostering a supportive atmosphere, like communal studios, galleries, performance venues, and cultural centres. Artists are allowed to explore their identities, experiment with their work, and collaborate with others.
For many artists, the notion of safety extends well beyond physical security. It’s about emotional and psychological well-being, allowing the artist to take creative risks. In Berlin, safe spaces are usually run by artists themselves, who understand the importance of providing refuge from life’s pressures.
Community is at the heart of a safe space. A sense of community is more likely to foster collaboration over competition because artistic expression flourishes in a supportive network. A communal space is also an ideal place to share ideas and provide feedback.
Community-driven initiatives in Berlin include artist collectives and co-working spaces where artists can pool their resources, reducing individual financial burden and making the arts more accessible. Regular events like open workshops and group exhibitions encourage interaction and collaboration, which also works to break down the barriers between artists and the public.
Safe spaces that prioritise community and friendliness over competition have a profound impact on artistic expression. When You feel supported, You are more likely to take creative risks, explore new mediums, and push the boundaries of Your work.
In contrast, an atmosphere of competition stifles creativity. When You feel pressured to outperform a peer, it can feel constricting, as though You need to stick to safe and marketable ideas rather than experiment with new ones. A safe space allows You to enjoy mutual support and encouragement, giving You an environment to thrive. This is a net positive for the art scene because more often than not, a welcoming safe space also means more diverse artistic output.
Making ends meet takes a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. This is especially true for people involved in the art world. Its stressful physically and mentally when we don’t have financial stability or friends who are there to validate us. A safe space can provide a refuge when You are searching for solace and support from peers who know what it’s like to be in similar situations.
Joining a safe art space gives You a sense of belonging, eliminating feelings of isolation. The image of the lone, struggling artist can feel stereotypical, but is a powerful metaphor for artists without a support network. Opportunities to engage with a community can bolster Your self-esteem. You quickly realise that You have people to connect with. Build something new by joining in regular interactions with fellow artists. Who knows, You might even find new collaboration partners with whom You can create Your magnum opus.
Inclusivity and diversity are paramount for a flourishing art space. Safe spaces actively include artists from different backgrounds, including those who often get shut out of mainstream art circles. In inclusive environments, new voices break out. New ideas come to the fore. A whole tapestry of exciting art styles, forms, and mediums gets built. Diversity enriches the art community, challenges the status quo, and encourages innovation.
Innovation drives social change. Safe spaces create platforms for addressing social and political problems and gives voice to marginalised people. Through artistic expression, we as artists are able to communicate and highlight important issues. We are also fortunate enough to be able to inspire action.
In a city like Berlin, art has a history of being used for political expression and activism. Safe spaces amplify voices of persecuted peoples, and give everyone a space to discuss controversial topics without worrying about censorship. In trying times such as these, where there is an overwhelming shift to regressive ideologies, we need our safe spaces now more than ever.
The next time You are thinking about joining a safe space to create and enjoy art, visit DNA. Art Club to experience the community and camaraderie of our art collective. We offer multiple and varied events, performances, workshops, and classes to anyone who wants to get connected and be involved in our collective. We are always on the search for driven and talented people who believe in the power of words to become members.
With You, we grow.
When You grow, we flourish. Together.
Make DNA. Your home, make an impact on Your community, and change the world with us.
Words by Julia Gessner