Courts of justice
The courts are a historical building complex in Berlin's district of Gesundbrunnen the Mitte district . The building, erected in 1912, is located between Wiesenstrasse andgerichtstrasse, from which the name goes back. Founded in the 19th century as a chemical factory, the courts of law now house apartments, small businesses and around 70 artist studios. The ensemble consists of five courtyards with several transverse buildings and side wings. The owner is the state-owned housing company Gesobau.
history
When the areas north of Berlin were being developed, the construction of the approximately 9000 m² property began around 1860. In the beginning, the chemical factory JD Riedel AG, smaller factory buildings, stables, shed houses and storage facilities were built for the owner . The factory produced, among other things, mantles for the Berlin gas lanterns and quinine . A machine house and other buildings were added later. However, these buildings were demolished by 1912 in preparation for today's courtyard.
Because of the economic problems in West Berlin , a lot of commercial space was vacant in the 1980s. The state-owned housing company Gesobau therefore decided to give part of its real estate to artists at low cost. In 1983 the first artists rented commercial space at favorable conditions and converted them into studios according to their needs. Over the years the art district grew and developed into a place of dynamism and creativity. With around 70 artists of various origins and artistic orientations, one of the largest art quarters in Germany has now emerged here. Gesobau initially supported the artists through joint events such as the "Weddinger Summer Festival in Hof + Atelier" (from 1995) as well as through the purchase of works of art for rent. In addition, an elaborate catalog of the 21 participating artists, financed by Gesobau, was published, which for the first time offered a representative overview of artistic work in the courts of justice. This version of the open studios continued until 2002.
Events in the courts of justice
From August 2002 to January 2004, the artists and Gesobau regularly took part in the “Long Night of the Museums”, which every time attracted more visitors to the courts of law. Since Gesobau had to reduce its commitment again for economic reasons, the artist group founded the association “Art in the Courts of Justice” in 2004. His aim is to continue to open the studios on various occasions and to make the courts of justice a place of lively exchange for neighbors, artists and art enthusiasts. It is non-profit, not commercially oriented and is financed exclusively from membership fees. All artists of the courts of justice can participate and work in the projects regardless of their membership in the association. The first self-organized participation in the “Long Night of Museums” took place in August 2004.
With the support of Gesobau and other sponsors, an empty room was expanded into an Art Lounge in 2005 and put into operation. The lounge was available to artists, tradespeople, yard neighbors and the Gesobau for events until 2009. It was used for exhibitions, theater performances, workshops, readings and celebrations and served as a central meeting point for the "Long Night of the Museums" with an information stand, gastronomic offer and seating. In 2009, Gesobau converted the Art Lounge into a commercial space and rented it out.
Even today, the artists seek contact with the general public and the neighborhood with various events. The offer is not only aimed at a public interested in art and culture, but also at people who normally cannot find their way into a gallery. Be it annually for the two-day “Night & Day in the Courts of Justice” with free studio tours, for the “Wedding Culture Festival”, with workshops for adults or children or for the annual St. Nicholas vernissage called “MoKuzuMimi - Modern Art to Take Away”. The artists provide an insight into the studios and workshops, show current works, various work techniques and seek personal conversations with visitors.
Web links
supporting documents
- ^ Art in the Courts of Justice: About Us , accessed February 3, 2016
- ↑ Deike Diening: Where it squeaks and creaks , Der Tagesspiegel September 29, 2015
Coordinates: 52 ° 32 ′ 37.3 " N , 13 ° 22 ′ 32.8" E