1. What is the festival theme for 2026 and how was it chosen?
The festival theme for 2026 was selected together with Neukölln stakeholders from the fields of art, culture, science, design and art education. It is:
OUT/SIDE/IN
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 2026.
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 or in CANK?
When a festival exhibition takes place at the Kesselhaus or CANK, it is organized by a team of curators. The artists exhibiting there are selected and contacted after reviewing the applications. We kindly ask that you do not send any inquiries to KINDL or CANK. They make their spaces available to the festival, but do not decide on participation in the exhibitions 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 and usually takes place at the end of June/beginning of July. The exact date will be announced shortly.
8. How long can I apply?
The application period runs from 10 November 2025 to 9 January 2026.
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
Or directly to:
Festival Director: Kat Nowak nowak@kulturnetzwerk.de
Assistant Director: Alexandra Flindris flindris@kulturnetzwerk.de
Phone (Tue-Thur, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.): 030 682478-17