We’re excited to welcome KW Institute for Contemporary Art as a new member. Dear Emma, you have been the director of KW since May 2024—what makes working at this institution so special for you?

Thank you, I am extremely happy to be here, even in the turbulent times. I see KW as an institution that actively responds to the evolving needs of Berlin’s artists and practitioners while engaging with broader cultural and societal dynamics. Artists today are increasingly working in transdisciplinary ways. In response, KW embraces art and beyond—bringing together thought leaders, academics, activists, and other collaborators to intersect with and expand these evolving artistic practices.

Also, KW’s unique history positions it as a truly transnational institution rooted in a strong sense of locality. While KW is known internationally, we are deeply connected to our local community, especially the younger generation in Berlin, who engage with us in so many ways. As a contemporary art institution without a permanent collection, we have a unique flexibility to create dynamic, responsive programming that speaks directly to moment, and thus our audiences.

How are the recent cuts to Berlin’s cultural budget affecting the work of KW?

Unfortunately, quite significantly. Our budget has been cut by 14%, along with the loss of a staffing position, which has hit us hard. These cuts directly affect our program, staff, artists, educators, partners, and, not least, our visitors.

We have had to discontinue research and educational programs and introduce fees for previously free offerings, limiting cultural participation. Long-term projects in sustainability, accessibility, inclusion, and digitization have been paused or even canceled mid-implementation, making internal processes more difficult. Some employment contracts cannot be renewed, and our team must be downsized. Additionally, our program will be reduced, resulting in fewer exhibitions, events, and projects.

To sustain our work, we already depend on securing third-party funding through grants, individual donations, and corporate partnerships. At the same time, operating costs remain unchanged and have even increased in recent years.

Which topics would you like to exchange ideas on with other museum professionals?

I think it’s really important that we come together to discuss how we handle these budget cuts, as so many of us are facing the same challenges. Everything is getting more expensive, and at the same time, we’re being asked to address crucial issues that fall outside our regular funding structures.

We need to have open conversations about how to tackle sustainability, digitization, and other pressing topics before they become legal requirements and expectations we’re left scrambling to meet. What is our collective long-term plan for this?

I also find it invaluable to discuss the political situation—both here and abroad—with friends and colleagues. What we read in the media can sometimes feel alienating or even, dare I say, gaslighting. But when I have one-on-one or small group conversations, I realize that many of us share similar thoughts on how to address societal issues. The challenge is that it’s incredibly difficult to navigate these alone—we will only be strong if we stand together.