Techno fans have yet another reason to celebrate in Europe’s clubbing hub. Berlin’s local government has set aside €1,000,000 to preserve the city’s world renowned clubbing culture and improve relations between clubbers and the local communities.
A DJ scratching a record in a nightclub. Image by Twins/Getty Images
The German capital’s Club Commission has earmarked the funds for “projects of extraordinary importance,” which will allow nightclubs to apply for up to €100,000 each to improve soundproofing. They hope the move will quell tensions between the establishments, which are often open all night, and local residents. Clubbing in Berlin is considered a key economic benefit for the city and a substantial driver of tourism, with music fans from around the world flying in for the chance to get rejected from the world famous Berghain or dance the night away in renowned joints like Kater Blau, Sisyphos and Griessmuehle.
Clubbing is really important to Berlin’s economy. Image by ©TommL/Getty Images
“Clubbing is a massive part of Berlin culture, obviously, so I think it’s important to keep it alive. If anything I’m surprised the fund is only €1m,” a Berlin-based clubbing fan told Lonely Planet. Approximately 170 clubs in Berlin have closed since 2011, according to Mixmag, with rising rents and noise complaints causing problems for many local favourites. The cash injection for soundproofing work is seen by many as an investment in the city’s future.
Cassiopeia club in Friedrichshain in the former eastern part of German capital. Image by ©View Apart/Shutterstock
“Techno culture has given so much to Berlin, using some taxpayer money to support it is the least we can do,” the Green party’s Georg Kössler told The Local. “Politicians used to talk about Berlin clubs as something nice on the fringes. But very surprisingly, even our opponents in the CDU are suddenly very passionate about this subject, which they call the ‘night economy’.”
Music fans in other cities across the globe with undoubtedly be hoping their local governments take note, as nightclubs continue to be seen by many as a scourge rather than a source of economic value and cultural importance.
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