We are here!

There is criticism of Dampfzentrale – and it is justified. Because we are constantly evolving as a learning institution, we need you, dear friends. We are here: for a multifaceted exchange, your questions and a glance towards the future on Saturday, 28 June from 14:00. Come and join us!

Dampfzentrale is a venue for music, dance and performing arts. It is also a house for encounters, dialogue, discourse, philosophy and utopia. A home for artists and audiences. Dampfzentrale is a place anchored in the city, connected to the world.

We endeavour to create a safe space that takes us and our audiences further and opens up new perspectives. We expose and position ourselves. In addition to the performing arts and music, we provide spaces for discussion and reflection. There is something in our programme about both the shocking developments in the world and philosophical thoughts about them.

We found out last week: Dampfzentrale will no longer exist as it is now from 2028 onwards. A favourite place in Bern is at stake. This makes us angry, sad and gets us thinking. It’s a development that doesn’t just affect our organisation. The status of art in democracies is being questioned again, not just in Switzerland and Europe, but worldwide. Theatres are being closed, artists are unable to work.

We position ourselves and stand up for values that are essential to us. Among other things, we carry out work that is critical of racism both internally and externally, we examine agile forms of work and organisation, and this September we curate a platform against gender-based violence and for solidarity. With our work, we take a stand against various forms of discrimination.

The artistic positions that we present on our stages radiate far beyond the borders of Bern. If we only experience what we know, our vision narrows and with it our solutions. At a time when right-wing populism is on the rise, we need art for hopeful inspiration.