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.