Berlin Mondiale’s Guiding Principles
Berlin Mondiale is a city-wide network that realizes transcultural and artistic projects as a means to create participatory spaces. We celebrate Berlin’s diversity, break down barriers to access, and open up space for communities and underrepresented perspectives.
Our leitmotiv is: to appreciate Berlin’s cultural diversity, reduce access barriers in the cultural sector, and promote collaboration across cultural and disciplinary boundaries. We believe in the transformative and community-strengthening power of art and creativity.
Our purpose is: to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and to strengthen artistic expression, participation, and inclusion. In doing so, we also take a stand against prejudice and discrimination. Through our spaces, activities, and programs, we help shape a more equitable and accessible urban society — one where diversity, as well as the different life realities and experiences of all people, are recognized, respected, and supported.
Values
Our values are interconnected and form the foundation of our collaboration, activities, and goals.
Solidarity, Compassion, and Community
We see ourselves as a network of solidarity, actively advocating for those oppressed by power and privilege, especially in the context of asylum, exile, and migration. We support the building of communities with respect and appreciation for boundaries, coexistence, and space for diversity.
Empowerment and Trust
We take responsibility for amplifying and protecting voices that are underrepresented in our society. This requires continuous reflection and critical dialogue, encouraging awareness of diverse viewpoints and supporting collective learning.
Creativity and Artistic Expression
We believe in the transformative power of art and creativity. We are dedicated to strengthening and appreciating the many perspectives that shape and enrich our society.
Team & Network
Team
The Berlin Mondiale team brings together diverse work, life, and communication cultures, as well as languages. Bringing together different fields and knowledge is one of our greatest strengths, allowing us to combine and channel our skills in different ways.
Network
Berlin Mondiale places great importance on local neighborhoods, aiming to work across disciplines and build a strong network that connects city residents, cultural institutions, artists, and urban practitioners in the context of asylum, exile, and migration. Additionally, Berlin Mondiale’s decentralized structure spreads the team across various hubs throughout the city, embedding members directly into local structures. These local networks are made up of neighbors, communities, migrant self-organizations, and other social partners.
Goals
We set clear goals that align with our values and shape our activities and strategic initiatives.
- We break down barriers, prejudices, and discrimination while helping to create communities based on solidarity. This process begins within our own team — we are committed to diversity-oriented organizational development, working to reduce discrimination and barriers while ensuring a wider range of perspectives are represented equally.
- We create access and open spaces for communities and underrepresented voices. In doing so, we also take on an intermediary role by connecting and advising policymakers and public administration. Berlin Mondiale supports artists and cultural workers by providing guidance, fostering networks, and facilitating connections with cultural institutions and local communities.
- A key focus is the promotion and empowerment of artistic and transcultural projects in the context of asylum, exile, and migration within local neighborhoods.
Activities & Strategies
Our values and goals are reflected in our concrete activities and strategic initiatives.
Here are some examples:
- The maintenance and growth of our network is always central to our activities. Berlin Mondiale forms partnerships with other non-profits, educational institutions, and businesses. These collaborations are essential because they allow us to share resources, combine knowledge, and greatly increase the reach and impact of Berlin Mondiale's work. Additionally, the network is strengthened through citywide networking efforts.
- Berlin Mondiale places great importance on cultural programs and events, with a strategic focus on expanding and diversifying participatory artistic formats. Each year, at least two major events are held, which not only serve to discuss important topics but also provide a platform for critically reflecting on our own working methods.
- Since 2020, the network has selected projects through an 'Open Call' that are planned as part of the site curation. Berlin Mondiale focuses on supporting artists and creative talents, particularly those from marginalized groups. This approach helps to sustainably promote artistic diversity in decentralized neighborhoods.
- Together with partners and experts, we offer comprehensive support to develop strategic educational and training programs that increase cultural competence within the community. This can benefit all Berliners, both with and without migration or refugee backgrounds, and contribute to promoting understanding and respect. It is also essential to ensure continuous internal development and awareness. Berlin Mondiale focuses particularly on addressing internal contradictions and actively promotes empowerment and awareness of the needs of artists with asylum, exile, or migration backgrounds.
- Fundraising and Resource Acquisition: Berlin Mondiale develops strategic approaches to secure financial resources, whether through donations, grants, or sponsorships. This ensures the long-term financial stability of artistic collaborations and relationships built in local neighborhoods. Berlin Mondiale also actively supports its partners in securing funding and applying for financial resources.
Vision
Berlin Mondiale contributes to the sustainable transformation of the city. Through a lasting and solidarity-driven network, we support and empower artists and cultural workers, particularly in the context of asylum, exile, and migration.
We work to create financial stability and continuity for artists and projects while activating and preserving spaces for transcultural collaborations. On a local level, we promote and initiate long-term collaborations between cultural institutions and neighborhood communities. Nationally and across Europe, we advocate for the representation and exchange of artists and partners from as many communities as possible.
Our team and our work within the network are shaped by solidarity, understanding, and trust.
This guiding principles is the result of a process of development and discussion among many Berlin Mondiale colleagues. It forms the foundation of our daily work and serves as a General guideline for our activities, decisions, and interactions.