Kulturhus Berlin.
Centre for Northern European Culture and Science

In the project Kulturhus Berlin literature and culture scientists have linked up to support the exchange between Northern Europe and Germany in the fields of culture and science. We perceive Northern Europe and Germany as a part of a wider Northern European area. For this reason we do not only focus on the Nordic countries and Germany, but on the whole Baltic Sea region. Especially after the EU enlargement to the East the Baltic Sea Region is regarded as a future growing region.

Background

 There is a long tradition for the relationship between Germany and Northern Europe stretching over many fields of culture life. Latest since the 17th century an intensive exchange between artists and scientists has taken place over the Baltic Sea. In the perspective of the Northern Europeans, Berlin, as a centre for these relations, is one of the most important cities in Europe. Henrik Ibsen gave important impulses to modern drama in Berlin; Georg Brandes felt delighted by the “courageous and light brains” of the Berlin scene of science; August Strindberg as well as Edvard Munch, Stanislaw Przybyszewski, Laura Marholm and other representatives of the “Baltic Sea Avantgarde” caused trouble and excitement in Berlin-Mitte where they regularly met in the pub “Schwarzes Ferkel” (“Black piglet”).

Aims

 

This inspiring tradition is taken up by Kulturhus Berlin and cultivated by scientific and artistic activities. It is our intention to stimulate the dialogue between scientists and artists in the countries of the Baltic Sea region, take up questions and issues of current interest and continue their discussion. Through the exchange between science and culture new things can come into being, and the presence of Northern European culture in Germany can be increased. In order to reach a broad audience Kulturhus plans to offer a large variety of cultural events. We also direct special attention to arrangements for children and young people.

Realisation

Kulturhus Berlin combines three fields of activities: Firstly, Kulturhus wants to provide interested people information about Northern Europe, i.e. by organising seminars, language classes, and unconventional activities being arranged according to the needs of the users. Secondly, focus is put on science and publications in order to make new knowledge available. Thirdly, by arranging cultural events Northern Europe is granted more presence in Berlin.

All three fields of activities are closely linked to each other. The different parts are comprised by a journal accompanying the activities, by the intensive exchange with our project partners and the quality of our arrangements.

From 2005 onwards an annual motto will be drawn up. In springtime it will be presented by means of film, in summer by means of literature and in autumn from a scientific point of view. Contemporary arts and music will accompany all project series.