Kreuzberg: Kunst und Migration seit 1960

In autumn 2026 the Gropius Bau will present a major exhibition dedicated to the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. The exhibition focuses on the history of labour migration and the recruitment agreements of the 1960s which had an enormous impact on Kreuzberg. Back in the 1960s, a number of artists sought to draw attention to the precarious living situation of the immigrant workers and strived to improve their lot. Evidence of this artistic campaign can be found in documentary, experimental and educational films, as well as works of literature, performing arts, theatre and music. A central theme of the exhibition is the voice – in both the political and artistic sense of the word. Consequently, the exhibition is accompanied by a choir project and a radio programme. Inspired by the Turkish Workers Choir of West Berlin with its socio-critical songs, an accompanying event series will highlight influential music groups from that era.

Curators: Gürsoy Dogtas, Patrizia Dander
Artists: Eduardo Arroyo, Vlassis Caniaris, Nuray Demir, Michelarcangelo de Luca, Azade Köker, Colette Lumiere, Mehrangis Montazami-Dabui, Setareh Shahbazi, Monika Sieveking, Metin Talayman, Kollektiv Videobase and others

Exhibition: Gropius Bau, Berlin: 11 Sep. 2026 – 10 Jan. 2027 tbc