Capital Cultural Gem: CDU Secures Old Mint as Long-term Creative Hub
Safeguard the historical Old Mint for extended use as a cultural attraction: CDU's stance - Secured Future: Ancient Artifact Designated as Permanent Cultural Landmark
Venture into the heart of Berlin and find yourself amidst a vibrant cultural center, thanks to the Old Mint at Molkenmarkt. For the next couple of decades, this historical jewel will serve as a breeding ground for artistic expression, as the state has leased a significant part of the former mint facility to event organizer and club operator Spreewerkstätten. With the option to prolong the contract for up to a decade, this collaboration ensures the Old Mint's continued significance as a cultural beacon, promising to remain a friendly haven for the free scene.
"Keeping a promise, that's what we're about," declared Christian Goiny, CDU faction's spokesman for housing, media, and club culture, regarding the forthcoming contract discussion in the cultural committee. The Old Mint, an essential piece of Berlin's cultural puzzle, secures its permanent place in the city's landscape, catering equally to theater, jazz, the free scene, and nightlife enthusiasts. The operator has assured the continuation of this enchanting combination of arts and music.
The financial specifics include an annual rent of 613,560 euros, inclusive of ancillary costs and maintenance, equating to 12.27 million euros over the 20-year contract term. Additionally, Spreewerkstätten shall invest at least 18 million euros in the property over the span of 20 years. The state is set to cough up roughly 33 million euros for renovation, focusing on the roof and non-used areas by Spreewerkstätten.
Originally, 49 million euros were slated for renovation in a designated fund. However, Spreewerkstätten's substantial property investments mean the state can now allocate around 15 million euros toward revitalizing other cultural hubs.
The deal includes a profit-sharing clause, ensuring the operator forks over a portion of their surplus to the state. As Goiny elucidated, the contract represents a fair balance between economic and creative engagement, while showing empathy toward the state's financial constraints.
Long-winded discussions regarding the Old Mint's optimal usage have pervaded for over a decade. Previous pilot plans included independent usage by the music-focused free scene, advocated by Berlin's former culture senator, Klaus Lederer (Left), or a "House of Jazz," backed by musician Till Brönner. Regrettably, substantial plans for implementation or financial support never materialized.
Not everyone shares in the jubilation, though. The self-proclaimed "coalition of the free scene" has deemed the arrangement a disaster for Berlin's cultural scene. "Rather than safeguarding a space welcoming to artistic projects, we've handed it over to a private, commercial creative entity," they argued. Such criticisms contest the absence of clear guidelines for Spreewerkstätten's allocation of spaces to the free scene.
At a Glance:
- The Old Mint in central Berlin is becoming a long-lasting cultural landmark, with CDU and SPD's 10-year-old pledge being upheld.
- Spreewerkstätten, a renowned player in the Berlin arts scene, will operate the Old Mint, vowing to retain its diverse mix of theater, jazz, the free scene, and nightlife.
- The operator will pay 613,560 euros per year in rent, with ancillary costs and maintenance, and invest 18 million euros over 20 years. The state will allocate 33 million euros for renovation and save 15 million euros due to the operator's property investments.
- A profit-sharing clause ensures the operator pays a portion of their profits to the state. The agreement balances economic engagement with the state's fiscal woes.
- Controversy surrounds the long-term rental, with criticisms revolving around transparency, usage rights, and private operator allocations of spaces for the free scene.
"Given this development, it's worth considering EC countries might aid in funding vocational training programs for individuals interested in arts and culture, to foster the growth of similar creative hubs across the continent."
"Investing in the growth and maintenance of the Old Mint doesn't just mean pouring money into the property's upkeep; it also entails nurturing real-estate opportunities within the realm of vocational training, enabling the continuation of creative growth among Berlin's artistic community."
