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KUNST-WERKE BERLIN e. V.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to KW! Our Code of Conduct is how everyone is expected to act and be treated while at KW.

A democratic society is built upon a foundation of diverse voices, tolerance, inclusivity, and mutual respect. KW is a place where people of different backgrounds and experiences meet and interact. The use of derogatory language, any form of harassment, racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, sexism, transphobia, ableism, queerphobia, classism and other forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior will not be tolerated at KW, nor will the incitement to hatred or violence, bullying or negative stereotyping of individuals or groups of people.

This Code of Conduct applies equally to the executive board and members of KUNST- WERKE BERLIN e. V., all employees, artists, project partners and visitors of KUNST- WERKE BERLIN e. V. (KW Institute for Contemporary Art and Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art), guiding behaviour in all interactions, activities, and events, both on and off our premises.

In any case, the code of law applies at all times.

We expect you to ...

  • Treat everyone with dignity, respect and fairness, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or cultural background, or any other status.
  • Use gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language, and respect individual identities and preferences, including pronouns and forms of address.
  • Foster an environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or unwanted behavior.

We do not tolerate ...

  • Verbal, physical, written or online abuse, including threats, insults, or derogatory comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
  • Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention, including sexualized comments, jokes, or advances.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following, both in person and online.
  • Deliberate misgendering or disrespecting a person's identity or lived experiences.
  • Disrespect of the personal space and autonomy of others, failing to seek consent before taking photos, recordings, or engaging in physical contact.
  • Sustained disruption of community events, including talks.


What do we understand by discrimination?

Discrimination is the unjustified, unequal, disadvantageous, exclusionary and degrading treatment of groups and individuals. The basis of discrimination is the assumption of supposed otherness of the discriminated and the assumption that the disadvantage is not unjust, but the unavoidable result of their otherness.

Characteristics of discrimination currently protected by German law (AGG / General Act on Equal Treatment, came into effect in 2006):

Discrimination on racist grounds or on the grounds of ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief,chronical disease, disability, age or sexual identity. The Anti-Discrimination Agency has repeatedly advocated an extension of protection against discrimination in the past.

KW will further respond to any report of disadvantage or discrimination in conflict with the Code of Conduct.

  • Visible diversity refers to characteristics that can be identified such as age, gender identity, ethnicity, or disability.
  • Invisible diversity refers to characteristics or states that can be physical, mental or neurological that cannot be seen but can limit or challenge a person’s senses, participation, and cognitive function.
  • Other characteristics can be: asylum status, lifestyle choices, social status, education, employment, food consumption, language ability.

What is harassment?

Harassment is unwelcome and unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic. It is a type of discrimination that intends to put pressure, intimidate, distress and/or threaten a person. Harassment can be verbal, visual and/or physical.

Reporting and Response Mechanisms

Immediate Action

  • If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior, report it immediately to a staff member or use the listed contact channels. Staff will handle reports discreetly and professionally.

Reporting Channels

  • On-site: Report incidents to a staff member behind the ticket counter or to the event organizer.
  • Email: Contact feedback@kw-berlin.de with your account of any incidents

Response Process

  • All reports will be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible. Actions may include warnings, removal from premises, or further investigation. Repeated or severe violations may result in exclusion from events or activities.

Commitment to Improvement

  • We regularly review and update this Code of Conduct to reflect changes and ensure its effectiveness.
  • Feedback is welcome and can be submitted at any time to help us maintain a safe and inclusive environment. Please write us at feedback@kw-berlin.de.


The house rules apply in all other respects:

House Rules KW Institute for Contemporary Art

We are pleased to welcome you to the buildings and courtyard of KW Institute for Contemporary Art. We aim to make your stay with us as pleasant and safe as possible. Therefore, we kindly ask you to adhere to the following rules. By entering our buildings and courtyard, you acknowledge the provisions of the house rules. These regulations may be temporarily supplemented or changed, and you will be informed separately about such updates. Overall, we wish for a responsible and respectful interaction with each other in our institution.

Courtyard

The use of vehicles such as bicycles or scooters is not permitted in the entire courtyard of KW or inside the buildings. Bicycle racks are provided in front of the main entrance to the house for all visitors. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are, of course, exempt from this restriction.

Wardrobe

Coats, umbrellas, larger bags (larger than DIN A4), backpacks, and sharp-edged or bulky items pose a risk to the artworks on display and are not allowed to be taken into the exhibition spaces. Wardrobe items can be securely stored in the lockers provided in the cashier area, free of charge. If you have any uncertainties, the staff at the cash desk will be happy to assist you.

Exhibition

Please treat all the facilities at KW with care. Touching the artworks is prohibited, in order to prevent you from being liable for damages within the legal provisions.

Out of consideration for other visitors, please avoid making noise in the exhibition spaces and refrain from having phone conversations.

Eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition spaces. Café Bravo, located in the courtyard, welcomes you for refreshments and snacks.

We are especially pleased to welcome our youngest visitors and ask all accompanying persons to ensure that the displayed works are not damaged. In the exhibition spaces, running and rough play are not allowed for the safety of your children.

Bringing animals into the exhibition spaces is not permitted , except for guide and assistance dogs. Please keep dogs on a leash when in the courtyard so that all visitors feel comfortable.

Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited in all indoor areas.

Passageways and emergency exits must be kept clear. Emergency exits may only be used in case of emergency.

Photography and Film

For private purposes, you are allowed to take photos and videos in the exhibition rooms and courtyard without using a flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. However, some artworks and projects may not be photographed. Please always pay attention to the corresponding labels. You are personally responsible for complying with copyright and personality rights rules. We can only permit commercial use of your recordings if you obtain written permission from the KW press department in advance.

Supervisory Staff & House Rights

Please follow the instructions of the supervisory staff. Visitors who disobey instructions may be expelled from the building and given a ban. House rights are exercised by the directors and third parties authorized by them.

Emma Enderby and Axel Wieder
Directors
KUNST-WERKE BERLIN e. V.