The annual Art Cologne, a six day long art fair which has been held in autumn for the last forty years, is having a hard time keeping up with art venues in Berlin. The annual Art Cologne opened today. However, starting next year it will take place in April. A move that will hopefully bring visitors back to Cologne galleries. Galleries, dealers, and artists are moving to Berlin in record numbers.
Cologne has had a history of being the German contemporary art capital and center of the German art market. However, since the 1990s there has been a decline in artistic life in Cologne. Berlin has since moved up to become the hub for the 'art world' in Germany.
This growth has to do with the cost of rent and the 'freshness' of art coming out of Berlin.The art community in Berlin has grown steadily through the years. Land that was once considered 'no-man's-land' has turned into a thriving enclave of artists and galleries.
It is estimated that there are over 400 art galleries in the city, twice as many as a decade ago. Meanwhile, Cologne art scene has dwindled down to 100 galleries. The numbers dwindle as more galleries move their operations to Berlin.
The low cost of rent (about $255 per square meter per month.) in Berlin is one reason why this growth has been solid. It has been estimated that there are over 6,000 artists in Berlin. The cheap studio rent has cultivated a thriving creative art scene. Researchers from Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. have been keeping an eye on these numbers as the art community in Berlin grows.
Cologne is an expensive place for emerging artist to live and work. Berlin simply offers younger artists a better chance at marketing their work. Established artists may stay in Cologne, but it seems that the 'new blood' will dominate the German 'art world' from Berlin.
http://www.artcologne.com/
Take care, Stay true,
Brian Sherwin
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