G r e e t i n g s

des Bezirksamt Neukölln von Berlin,
zum 11. Kunst- und Kulturfestival 48 Stunden Neukölln

Dear residents of Neukölln and friends of the arts,

It's been 12 years since a weekend was reserved for the presentation of the arts in our district for the first time: these were the humble beginnings of the unique festival of the arts known as 48 Stunden Neukölln. This invitation to partake in a wide range of cultural activities has developed into a platform that lures artists from all over to show their work and enter into dialogue with audiences.

A lot has changed since then. A many artists and other people active in the arts have settled here and established networks and all manner of new forms of presenting art have come to the fore. Today, the name Neukölln evokes images of young creative minds from the world over. On the other hand, however, social tensions still exist here. Although an internationally-minded and cosmopolitan perspective is widespread, true social equity and the possibility of moving up in the world are still limited for some. This year's provocative festival theme “Luxus Neukölln“ points directly to these issues. It is a means of reflecting the question of what connection Neukölln has with luxury.

One thing is clear: those active in the cultural scene in Neukölln create their own luxury in ample quantities. More than 560 events at around 330 locations offer visitors fascinating choices. One can explore a thrilling, multifarious district which is no longer something only insiders are aware of. The arts have had considerable impact here.

Many of the artists showing their work during the festival live and work in Neukölln; they find inspiration in this quirky area and are eager to give some this energy back. The district council as well as the local “Jobcenter” have been able to support the festival with considerable financial assistance and manpower and hopes to do so in the future too. Our goal is to bundle the energies of those working in the arts in the future as well: these individuals provide considerable potential for helping the district thrive evermore each year.

We'd like to thank all of the artists participating as well as Kulturnetzwerk Neukölln. Together, they have worked to make this year's “48 Stunden Neukölln“ even more successful and we are grateful for their energies.

To conclude, we'd like to wish all visitors to this year's festival the energy they'll need to discover as many of the many events planned as they intend while discovering the treasures to be found here, in Neukölln.

Heinz Buschkowsky
Lord Mayor of Neukölln

Dr. Franziska Giffey
District consellor for Education, Schools, Culture and Sport