1. What is the festival theme for 2025 and how was it chosen?
The festival theme for 2025 was selected together with Neukölln stakeholders from the fields of art, culture, science, design and art education. It is:
WTF (what the fact)? Between truth and perception
In a world where we are surrounded by glowing screens every day and information pours in on us in a never-ending stream, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is perceived. “What The Fact?” - this spontaneous exclamation reflects the wonder and confusion that often floods us as we grapple with the strange duality of our existence. At the interface between reality and perception lies an inexhaustible creative potential that invites artists to develop their very own artistic interpretations.
Perception is a complex interplay of senses, memories, emotions and context. What we see as “real” is often only one facet of the multi-layered reality we are trying to grasp. Each individual brings their own experiences, prejudices and perspectives to this perception. This opens up a fascinating space for artists who have the opportunity to experiment with these facets and create new meanings. Art thus becomes a tool that helps to question the boundaries of the visible and discover different truths.
The influence of digital media, social networks and artificial intelligence has significantly changed the way we consume information and perceive the world. The boundaries between the physical world and digital space are beginning to dissolve. This offers immense opportunities for artists to artistically process and reflect on these phenomena. Interactive installations that actively involve the viewer or digital artworks that play with perception can encourage the audience to think critically about their own perspectives. How do we see ourselves in this constantly changing landscape of illusions?
In times of “fake news” and digital manipulation, the demand on art to present truths or reveal illusions is more urgent than ever. Artists are in a unique position to reflect on the complexity of truth and open up a dialog about the relationship between factual reality and subjective perception. Their works can act as mirrors that challenge us in our own perception of reality and encourage us to explore different perspectives.
We look forward to artistic explorations of the theme and to the next “WTF moment”.
2 Who can apply?
Any artist who would like to contribute to the theme. The exhibition/performance venue is Berlin Neukölln. The artist's place of residence is irrelevant.
3. Can I apply even if I do not yet have a venue?
Yes, only once the project has been accepted and you have to provide all the important key data (artists, venue and event time). This will happen during the editorial phase, which is expected to take place in March 2025.
4. Where can I find a venue?
Via the marketplace, your own contacts or while walking through Neukölln. Supermarket, bar, kiosk or your own flat: any place in Neukölln will do!
5. Can I exhibit in the Kesselhaus of the KINDL?
If a festival exhibition takes place in the Kesselhaus, it is organized by a curator/team of curators. The artists exhibiting there are selected and directly contacted after the application phase. Please do not send any enquiries to the KINDL. The KINDL is providing the Kesselhaus as a venue for the festival but do not decide on participation of artists in the exhibition taking place there.
6. Where does the festival take place?
In Berlin, Neukölln. The majority of the projects take place in North Neukölln. However, we would be also happy about the events/projects in South Neukölln.
7. How long does the festival last?
The festival lasts 48 hours from Friday, the 27th June 2025 at 7 p.m. to Sunday, the 29th June 2025 at 7 p.m.
8. How long can I apply?
The application phase is expected to run from 18.11.2024 to 05.01.2025
9. What happens if I need a permit?
According to the 48 Stunden Neukölln team, permits for street space, green areas, noise and light will be obtained for all official festival contributions in public spaces. We cannot apply for permits for indoor spaces or open formats. The only exception is Tempelhofer Feld (see point 9.a.). It can always happen that a permit is not granted by the authorities. In this case, an event cannot take place or must be moved to another location (if available).
10.a) Special case Tempelhofer Feld: Permits for events on Tempelhofer Feld must be obtained by the artists themselves at: https://www.tempelhoferfeld.de/en/participate-get-involved/event-requests/
You may be charged for these services. The 48 Stunden Neukölln team will obtain permits for noise and light.
10. Do I have to register my event with GEMA?
If music is played at an event, it must be registered with GEMA. The registration with GEMA and any fees incurred must be paid by the artists themselves. A licence for noise is not a GEMA registration. Further information and the registration page can be found here: https://www.gema.de/en
11. May I charge admission/fees/donations at my event?
All events organised as part of 48 Stunden Neukölln are free of charge. No entrance fees or participation fees may be charged. Neither donations may be collected.
12. Is there promotional material from the festival?
Yes, there will be a distribution of material about two weeks before the festival. All participating artists will receive the official 48 Stunden Neukölln print materials such as posters, postcards and the folding map/programme free of charge. Against a deposit of €20.00 you will receive a flag.
13. May I distribute my own promotional material for my event?
All participating artists are permitted to create and distribute their own promotional material for their events as part of 48 Stunden Neukölln. The only requirement is the use of the new 48 Stunden Neukölln logo.
14. Who can I contact if I have any questions
General E-Mail-address:
48stunden@kulturnetzwerk.de
Phone (Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.): 030 682478-22
Or directly to:
Festival Director: Kat Nowak nowak@kulturnetzwerk.de
Assistant Director: Alexandra Flindris flindris@kulturnetzwerk.de
Phone (Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.): 030 682478-17