Frühjahr 2024 in den B.L.O. Ateliers. Foto von cornelia es said
Over the last two decades, a variety of art and cultural projects have been established on site, as well as smaller artisan businesses. The non-profit association of the B.L.O. Ateliers, Lockkunst e.V., has not only taken over the management of the grounds during this period, but also within the scope of its possibilities the maintenance of the buildings and areas.
As the rental agreement with DB AG expires in July 2024, Lockkunst e.V. has been negotiating another long-term contract for more than a year. The Governing Mayor of Berlin Kai Wegner sought a conversation with DB AG at a joint date on 18 April. Many other politicians at the federal, national and district-political levels have already spoke out in favour of preservation. These include the Federal Government’s contact person for the creative industries Michael Kellner, Gesine Lötzsch (MdB Linke) and Christian Goiny (member of the Berlin House of Representatives, CDU), as well as many members of the Culture Committee of the German Bundestag.
DB has announced a new version of the contract for an initial period of two years. The draft contract has not yet been received. Instead, Lockkunst e.V. received a letter from DB Immobilien last Friday, 26.04.24, banning access to the buildings of the B.L.O. Ateliers with immediate effect and announcing that the power supply would be cut off. Allegedly, the electrical installation, which has been working faultlessly for over 20 years, now poses a potential danger to users and visitors. Lockkunst e.V. has not yet received the expert opinion in question. In the past, a solution-oriented cooperation with DB has always been possible in the event of comparable technical problems. This makes it all the more shocking for the working professionals and tenants to now be told they are no longer allowed to enter their rented space with immediate effect. This poses an acute existential threat to the entire studio community. The cultural events planned until the end of the year and the projects supported by the district and with federal funds would no longer be feasible.
This approach by DB Immobilien is incomprehensible to the association’s board. Up to now, it has been in good negotiations with DB, which have been politically supported.
Lockkunst e.V. now urgently needs a constructive and solution-oriented dialog in order to be able to continue the studio and cultural operations now and beyond July 2024.