Breaking News: The Steam Center in Bern Faces Critical Transition
June 28, 2023 — Bern, Switzerland
Google News Alert: The Steam Center, a beloved cultural hub in Bern, is in the midst of a significant transition. The city has announced its intention to rewrite the performance contract with the center, sparking widespread discussion and concern within the local cultural scene.
City Rewrites Performance Contract
The city of Bern has decided to rewrite the performance contract of the Steam Center due to unmet expectations. According to Franziska Burkhardt, head of the urban cultural department, the city had expected a higher offer density from the cultural center. The tender is described as an “ideas competition” aimed at redefining the center’s future.
Community Reacts to the Transition
The Steam Center management responded to the city’s announcement via social media, expressing their commitment to the cultural hub. The hashtag #dampfzentrablet has gained traction among local residents, cultural workers, and international supporters, indicating strong opposition to the changes.
The center is hosting a discussion event on June 28 to gather input from the public, experts, politicians, and the dance and music scene. Local dance artists have criticized the lack of representation of Bernese dance in the program, highlighting a long-standing issue within the cultural community.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Steam Center has a rich history, originally serving as a power plant before being repurposed as a cultural site in 1987. It is renowned for its international reputation and commitment to diversity and inclusion. The center’s unique multi-division approach has made it a vital part of Bern’s cultural landscape.
Future Implications and Expert Insights
Flo Eichenberger, an initiator of the new cultural club Sous Soul, emphasizes the need for the Steam Center to be more accessible and integrated into the broader Bern art and cultural scene. Dominik Gysin, another cultural activist, believes the current team has isolated the center from the local dance scene and lost its relevance.
Rena Brandenberger from the Beta association, which supports local dance, notes that the Steam Center has limited doors for Bernese dance artists. She hopes the new tender will strengthen the dance scene, regardless of who manages the center.
Call to Action
As the city prepares to publish the tender in mid-July, various cultural groups, including Beta and the current Steam Center association, are considering applications. The community is encouraged to participate in the discussion and brainstorming sessions for the center’s future.
The Steam Center’s future hangs in the balance, and the cultural scene of Bern is actively engaged in shaping its destiny. Stay tuned for updates and join the conversation to ensure this iconic cultural hub continues to thrive.
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