Following the October 7th attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza, the horrific violence and unacceptable loss of life unfolding in the Middle East continues to shock us deeply.

While the mediatic and political repercussions of this conflict are reverberating around the world, in Germany, a new level of tension is emerging within the cultural sector. The increase of antisemitism, anti-Muslim racism, and the deplatforming of pro-Palestinian voices affect and concern us deeply. As a festival, we are committed to resisting such undemocratic developments and stand against them. We do so by remaining unwaveringly committed to artistic freedom and against all forms of discrimination.

The calls for a boycott of German state-funded institutions are responding to, among other issues, the proposal of a newly defined anti-discrimination clause before the Berlin Senate for Culture and Social Cohesion. While this clause does not affect our current festival, it does risk influencing future editions, as Berlin directly accounts for approximately 7% of our budget. transmediale stands in strong agreement with the serious concerns voiced by important partners of the Berlin cultural landscape , friends , and our sister festival CTM , and firmly opposes the Berlin Senate's initiative. Specifically, we believe the proposed measure, involving the implementation of a so-called anti-discrimination clause, in its ambiguity, poses a significant threat to the artistic freedom and future of art funding in Berlin. (The clause is now suspended.) (1)

In this context, we must inform you that Holly Childs and Gediminas Žygus, Mohamed Berro, Monica Basbous and Charbel Alkhoury, as well as Al Hassan Elwan, Avril Corroon, Frank Sweeney, and Mario Santanilla have chosen to withdraw from transmediale 2024. Also, our film curator Nadim Choufi decided to withdraw his participation from the festival (updated January 29). In addition Vani-T as well as the collectives Constant, Digital Discomfort Workgroup, TITiPI, and Varia decided to withdraw their participation from the festival. (updated February 2) Eimear Walshe also withdrew their film from the festival. (updated February 3).

We respect each artist's decision and remain in close exchange with them. Other artists and participants are also reaching out to us, sharing their fears and disapproval towards the risks of censorship, possible media attacks, and their concerns around the limitation of rights to artistic freedom and freedom of expression.

As a festival, we are dedicated to asking critical questions about technology and providing a dynamic space dedicated to debate and understanding. Our attention centres on artists' work and their practices. We do not involve ourselves in monitoring any artist’s social media or political affiliations. Consistent with this approach, long ago, we withdrew from select social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). transmediale is committed to providing a festival that is a safe and inclusive space for everyone, and to do so, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discrimination and racism, including antisemitism and anti-Muslim racism. Safeguarding a free and respectful space for dialogue, openness, and exchange is our priority and responsibility.

As a cultural institution, we steadfastly believe in the power of art and culture to create valuable spaces for encounters, reflection, and even change. We are dedicated to keeping these spaces open and fostering forums where differences can be discussed and navigated with mutual respect. We call for solidarity between all cultural actors at a time when further fragmentation and distraction from collective aims only make us weaker. We aspire for artists, participants, and guests to join and contribute – as they do every year – to this shared space and immersive festival experience. In these times, where coming together is both urgent and necessary, we hope to see you all soon.

We call for an end to the ongoing violence and advocate for the release of all hostages and an immediate and permanent ceasefire.