# Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin

Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin, also known as Berlin-Weissensee Art Academy, School of Art and Design Berlin-Weissensee (German: Kunsthochschule Berlin-Weißensee) is a non-profit, public art school in Berlin-Weißensee, Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. The student enrollment is around 850 students in 2021.
The academy is equipped with 19 well-appointed workshops and studios, offering practical training in areas such as printing, casting, weaving, knitting, and digital technologies. Research laboratories focus on experimental research and sustainable design strategies, integrating media and information technologies.

## The Academy

The Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin is dedicated to fostering cross-disciplinary teaching and research in art, design, and science, aiming to contribute to societal change and cultural discourse. The institution emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively working to dismantle systemic barriers and promote a culture of togetherness and social interaction. The academy stands firmly against right-wing radicalism, anti-democratic tendencies, and discrimination, striving to create an environment where creativity and critical thinking can flourish.

## History

The Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin was founded in 1946 during Germany's post-war reconstruction by artists associated with the Bauhaus movement. Initially known as the "Art School of the North," it was temporarily housed in a former chocolate factory. Prominent early rectors included Dutch designer and architect Mart Stam and ceramicist Jan Bontjes van Beek. In the 1950s, under the direction of Bauhaus architect Selman Selmanagić, the academy expanded and became the East Berlin Academy of Art. Following German reunification, parts of the campus were modernized, with new buildings added in 2011 and the restoration of the 1956 auditorium completed in 2012.

## Locations

The Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin operates across several locations, each dedicated to specific aspects of its educational and research activities:
* Main Campus (Hauptstandort Kunsthochschule Berlin): Located at Bühringstraße 20, 13086 Berlin, this is the primary site for most academic departments and administrative offices.
* Kunsthalle am Hamburger Platz: Serving as the academy's exhibition hall, it provides space for students and faculty to showcase their work to the public.
* Bronzegießerei Johannisthal: This bronze foundry is utilized for sculpture and casting projects, offering specialized facilities for students working with metal.
* Art Therapy Center (Standort Kunsttherapie): Dedicated to the academy's Art Therapy program, this location provides tailored spaces for both instruction and practice.
* Sauen Meeting Place (Begegnungsstätte Sauen): Situated outside Berlin, this retreat center is used for workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, fostering creative exchange in a tranquil environment.
These diverse locations support the academy's commitment to providing comprehensive and specialized facilities for its various programs and initiatives.

## Facilities

The Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin offers a range of specialized facilities to support its diverse art and design programs:
* Studios and Workshops: Dedicated spaces for disciplines such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and design, equipped with tools and materials essential for hands-on learning and creative exploration.
* Library: A comprehensive resource center providing access to a vast collection of books, periodicals, and digital media, supporting research and study across all disciplines.
* Exhibition Spaces: Galleries and halls where students can display their work, facilitating public engagement and critique.
* Auditorium: The Selmanagic Auditorium, originally built in 1956 and restored in 2012, serves as a venue for lectures, presentations, and events, enriching the academic experience.
* Cafeteria (Mensa): Located on campus, the Mensa provides meals and a communal space for students to dine and socialize, contributing to campus life.

## Study Programs

The Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin offers a variety of study programs across multiple disciplines:
Bachelor's Programs:
* Fashion Design (B.A.): This eight-semester program balances theory and practice, encouraging students to tackle complex design tasks to develop their unique identity in fashion design. universitaet.com
* Textile and Surface Design (B.A.): Over eight semesters, students explore the core principles of textile and surface design, engaging in independent research on topics like functional surfaces in architecture and sensory interfaces related to body and space. universitaet.com
* Visual Communication (B.A.): This eight-semester course provides a broad understanding of visual culture's societal significance, preparing students for careers in media and design studies. universitaet.com
Diploma Programs:
* Fine Arts / Painting (Diplom): Spanning ten semesters, this program focuses on developing the skills necessary to translate conceptual ideas into physical artworks, emphasizing the emotional and experiential aspects of painting. universitaet.com
* Fine Arts / Sculpture (Diplom): Also lasting ten semesters, this course introduces students to the fundamentals of art and design, promoting independent artistic projects and collaboration across departments. universitaet.com
* Fine Arts / Stage and Costume Design (Diplom): This program delves into the artistic and technical aspects of designing stages and costumes, preparing students for careers in theater and film production.
Master's Programs:
* Fashion Design (M.A.): Building upon the bachelor's curriculum, this program allows for deeper exploration of fashion concepts, encouraging innovative design and research.
* Product Design (M.A.): Focusing on advanced design methodologies, this course prepares students to create innovative products that meet contemporary needs.
* Art Therapy (M.A.): This program trains students to use artistic processes for therapeutic purposes, integrating psychological principles with creative practice.
* Spatial Strategies (M.A.): Emphasizing the relationship between space and society, this course encourages the development of interventions in urban and rural contexts.
These programs reflect the academy's commitment to providing comprehensive education in art and design, fostering both technical proficiency and creative innovation.

## Research

The Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin is deeply committed to advancing research across various disciplines, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The academy's research laboratories focus on experimental studies and sustainable design strategies, integrating media and information technologies to explore new frontiers in art and design.
A significant aspect of the academy's research endeavors is its involvement in the excellence cluster "Matters of Activity. Image Space Material," coordinated by Humboldt University in Berlin. Within this cluster, scientists and designers from over 40 disciplines collaborate to develop sustainable processes and structures across various fields, including materials technology, medical technology, architecture, and robotics. The academy's participation underscores its dedication to interdisciplinary research and its contribution to innovative solutions in both artistic and scientific contexts.
Additionally, the academy leads the BMBF-funded project "Textile Prototyping Lab," collaborating with renowned research institutes and industry stakeholders. This project exemplifies the academy's commitment to interdisciplinary research, focusing on innovative textile solutions and new forms of cooperation within textile development.
Through these initiatives, the Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin provides its students and faculty with rich opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, fostering an environment where artistic practice and scientific inquiry intersect to address contemporary challenges.