Ms Mau, how long have you been with the SPK and what are your responsibilities?
Since May 2024, I have been working for the three foundations – St. Matthäus, the Berliner Philharmoniker and Preußischer Kulturbesitz – which, with their ten institutions in total, are based at the Kulturforum, to raise awareness of the Kulturforum’s unique character. I assist with networking, the structuring of joint projects and the identification of synergies. In a sense, we are currently working together to create a Kulturforum Berlin that lives up to the term ‘forum’ by seeking new formats for collaboration. Of course, the SPK’s structural reform and the budgetary situation facing all the institutions present additional challenges.
On a very practical level, I would like to connect staff members working on similar topics across the various institutions. Whilst each institution has different structures, exchange inspires and can make things possible that would not be feasible on their own. However, it is important to note that the initiatives I launch often add to the daily workload of the individuals involved. We must therefore always weigh up the potential and the burden very carefully.
Ultimately, it is also exciting to think of ‘promoting’ the Kulturforum not just externally, but also internally – that is, towards hundreds of staff members. So far, I have met few people who say they know another institution well apart from their own, even though there is great interest. There is still a great deal of potential to be tapped here: identification with a workplace, pride and simply joy.
What is your favourite spot at the SPK? And what do you most enjoy doing there?
My favourite spot is a special place on the former Piazzetta, now Johanna and Eduard Arnhold Square, from where you have a magical view of almost all the buildings and facilities of the Kulturforum.
I simply love being there and looking at this wonderful ensemble of architecturally outstanding buildings: Scharoun, Stüler, Mies van der Rohe, Gutbrod… And of course the tree nursery.
But you can also sit here very comfortably on the wooden furniture now placed there and enjoy a picnic ‘with a view’. At the latest during the big festival on 14 September, which the local residents organise together, everyone is once again invited to join us at the long table on Scharounplatz.
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