Code of Conduct
By inviting people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and identities to Berlin for up to one year, the Artists-in-Berlin Program creates spaces for encounter and change.
In its multiple roles as host, supporter, and enabler, the Artists-in-Berlin Program is committed to promoting diversity, as well as to combating all forms of discrimination. In all internal and external matters, the Program follows a zero tolerance policy towards racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, queerphobia, ablism, harassment, and abuse in any form. It offers shelter to cultural producers whose artistic freedom and freedom of expression are at risk.
The work of the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program does not happen in a neutral, ahistorical space. To quote the Berlin Declaration of DIE VIELEN, a network of cultural associations and activists in the field of arts and culture that take a strong stance against group-focused enmity, right-wing extremism, and attacks on artistic freedom:
“As creators of arts and culture in Germany, we do not stand above things. Rather we have both feet firmly on the ground—the very ground upon which one of the worst state crimes against humanity was committed. This country has seen art vilified as degenerate and culture being abused for the purpose of propaganda. Millions of people were murdered or driven into exile, amongst them many artists. Today we see arts and culture as well as their venues, i.e. museums, theatres, galleries, clubs and urban places, as open spaces belonging to many. We view our society as a plural gathering—an encounter of different interests that find each other in the spaces between. Democracy needs to be renegotiated daily—but always on the premise that it concerns us all, every single one of us, as beings of multiple possibilities!”
(For multilingual versions of the Berlin Declaration, see: Declarations Multilingual – Die Vielen)
As the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin team, we have a responsibility to uphold these ethical and democratic values. We consistently work towards making our program as inclusive and safe as possible for people of all genders, races, ages, abilities, and classes, as well as for other groups that often go unmentioned. We therefore urge everyone—our colleagues, partners, and contractors, along with our fellows and visitors—to be respectful towards each other.
As neighbors in Berlin, we all contribute to the culture and atmosphere of the city. Educating ourselves is crucial, through both external counseling and internal dialogue. These efforts are ongoing and we are committed to continuing to learn and improve. This process includes a critical examination of the institution’s own history with regard to past exclusions and its consequences.
That does not mean we always get it right, but we do our best to learn from any negative feedback, incidents, or mistakes to make sure they do not happen again.
For general feedback, to report harassment or abuse, or to make a complaint, please contact us by email. All complaints will be followed up on.
General inquiries: bkp.berlin@daad.de
Representative for anti-discrimination: Sebastian Dürer, duerer.berlin@daad.de