Cultural squatting, conflict involved, and role as free space in urban transformation: Case study of the Kunsthaus tacheles in the former east district of Berlin

Abstract

This study addresses the features of cultural squatting and its conflicts in urban transformation, examining the case of the Kunsthaus (Arthouse) Tacheles in East Berlin through analyses of interviews with the artists and officers of the governing foundation who were the actors in squatting. The conclusions of this study are summarized below. First, it should be clarified that the squatting movement initiated the process of gentrification as the pioneer phenomenon in Spandauer Vorstadt (II). Squatting movements have occurred twice since the division of Berlin into east and west. The second squatting movement was intended to create free space (Freiraum) and it has developed a new cultural scene based on the counterculture, mainly seeking out dilapidated apartment buildings in former East German districts. Considering the frequent changes in ownership of the Kunsthaus Tacheles, the artists' collective and officers of the foundation retained the right to stay throughout its history, during which they protected the building from demolition in April 1990. Therefore, the property situation of the Tacheles is not regarded as illegal, but the collective faced the situation of having an unrenewed contract. The Kunsthaus Tacheles Foundation officers discussed speculation by investors and banks; in opposition to such capitalist investments, they advocated for the continuation of the Tacheles as a free space. For the same reason, the Tacheles changed its status to nonprofit organization. However, it was also clarified that the Kunsthaus Tacheles faced a crisis of authenticity as an arthouse, and there was criticism regarding the touristification of the Tacheles (IV). In providing a free space for artists and maintaining the Kunsthaus Tacheles as a tourist site, the foundation officers did not evaluate artists solely based on their careers. This conflict in the form of cultural squatting is also related to urban transformation. The loss of free space caused by urban transformation in the former East Berlin districts is negatively viewed as gentrification. The situation of the Kunsthaus Tacheles attracted the attention of citizens, media, and tourists and turned it into a symbol of free space.