Legal Battle Threatens Berlin Venue Oyoun
Berlin venue and arts collective Oyoun is facing eviction following a year-long legal struggle with the German government, Resident Advisor reports. The venue, which currently employs 32 “mostly marginalised” staff members and stands as an “important space in the intersectional art and culture scene”, will be made to hand the keys over to the Berlin Senate on December 20, Oyoun confirmed to Mixmag. Oyoun has been fighting to stay in its current building just off Tempelhofer Feld for the past year, RA reports, saying that it has been targeted by the German government and right-wing media. The venue claimed previously that it was first targeted after hosting a vigil for the victims of the October 7 attack in November 2023, which paid tribute to both Israeli and Palestinian victims following the continued bombardment of Gaza.
Accusations of Anti-Semitism
Oyoun was accused of anti-Semitism – despite legal assessments reportedly disproving this – and has since led to alleged “police and secret service surveillance” of Oyoun, CEO Louna Sbou told Resident Advisor. They claimed that the venue had been “under investigation” by German authorities since the vigil, and that public funding of Oyoun was subsequently pulled after the Berlin Senate argued that the signed, digital funding agreement was “non-binding”.
Legal Battles and Fundraising Efforts
In July 2024, Oyoun won a legal battle against the government, which was later thrown out by a Federal Administrative Court, according to RA. The Berliner reported that Oyoun was the “most prominent target” of funding curbs and targets on culture in Berlin. Oyoun launched a fundraiser in November 2023 to aid the venue through legal and financial issues. It has since raised almost €90,000 to keep the arts and culture collective afloat.
Future Plans and Resilience
Despite being defunded, which the venue is currently contesting, Oyoun continues to raise money through third party projects. “We now realise we’re leaving, so we’re preparing for that,” Sbou told RA. “But we’re also feeling empowered to continue in one way or another. We’ve spent a year under constant threat, so we can now decompress and restructure.” Speaking to Mixmag, Sbou explained: “Next steps include in-depth reflections, to keep building alliances, rebuilding and enhancing resilience, and remaining true to our values while resisting and fighting repressive systems around us. We will continue working and organising as Oyoun as we also have running projects and fellowships to manage.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ongoing legal battle faced by Berlin venue Oyoun highlights the challenges that arts and culture collectives can encounter in today’s society. Despite facing eviction and defunding, Oyoun remains resilient and determined to continue its mission of providing a space for intersectional art and culture. The support and fundraising efforts from the community showcase the importance of such venues in fostering creativity and diversity.
FAQs
Q: Why is Oyoun facing eviction?
A: Oyoun is facing eviction following a year-long legal struggle with the German government, which has led to allegations of anti-Semitism and surveillance.
Q: How has Oyoun responded to the challenges it faces?
A: Oyoun has launched fundraising efforts and legal battles to contest the eviction and defunding, while also focusing on building alliances and enhancing resilience.
Q: What can the community do to support Oyoun?
A: The community can continue to donate to Oyoun’s fundraising efforts, attend events at the venue, and show solidarity with the arts and culture collective.
Credit: mixmag.net
