Many parts of Berlin's creative economy show above-average growth in terms of turnover and employment. These sectors are distinguished by a large number of small, recently started companies that excel because they are highly adaptable and innovative. Berlin's creative sector also reinforces other aspects of the city's economy, especially the tourism industry.
Berlin is the first European "UNESCO City of Design."
Berlin became the first German city to be awarded the title "City of Design" by the UN cultural organization, UNESCO. This distinction has made Berlin part of the "Creative Cities" network alongside cities like Buenos Aires, Edinburgh, and Shanghai.
When it comes to design, Berlin is a dynamic, ambitious city:
- 11,700 people employed in creative industries
- Approximately 6,700 design firms
- 1.5 billion euros annual turnover
- Creative environment, abundant space, good conditions for creative work
- Inexpensive rental space and low cost of living
- Numerous networks
- Diverse range of cultural events, over 1,500 each day
- Approximately 5,000 students pursuing degrees in fashion; in product, graphic and communication design; as well as in photography and the visual arts
(Source: German UNESCO-Commission 2006)
Art Market
Berlin's art market is characterized by a high concentration of visual artists, designers, photographers and galleries. Over 13 percent of Germany's artists have decided to benefit from the good education opportunities, the low studio rents and the creative atmosphere they find here. During the winter semester 2006/2007, 4,200 students were enrolled in university programs for visual art, history of art and culture, cultural studies, design and crafts at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) and the Kunsthochschule Berlin Weissensee Art School.
The performing arts segment includes stage artists, performers and dancers as well as theaters of all kinds. Berlin's image as an international metropolis of the arts is based on the about 5,000 performances taking place here annually.
Its more than 300 galleries make Berlin Europe's top gallery location. At least 2,000 exhibitions take place here every year on over 50,000 square meters of gallery space.
With over 1,300 design firms, or about 12 percent of all design studios in Germany, Berlin is also the German capital of design. Berlin's design studios account for the largest turnover for any individual segment of the Berlin art market, about 130 million euros. Numerous agencies have relocated to Berlin.
Performing Arts
Around 1.3 million patrons attend performances at both state-subsidized and commercial theaters in Berlin every year. Theaters, ballet companies, cabarets and variety theaters as well as other performing arts venues create working opportunities for independent stage artists that are unparalleled in Germany.
Architecture and Cultural Heritage
At 170 museums and collections, Berlin has more museums than any other city in Germany. The city's museums and exhibition halls welcome about 10 million visitors annually. The publicly subsidized art and cultural assets, like the museums on the Museum Island designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are complemented by a large number of commercial museums and art exhibitions.
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