Berlin is the capital of electronic music and internationally renowned for its eccentric clubs that promote radical free expression of self. These spaces have provided a safe space and second home to people from all walks of life for decades, but in 2021 they were officially recognized by the city as essential cultural institutions. Clubs now hold the same status in Berlin as the museums, opera house and concert halls which, among other benefits, provides them significant protection from closure and displacement. During the pandemic, where the counterculture worldwide saw many iconic spaces close, the Berlin Club Commission was able to save approximately 250 spaces for shutting their doors forever.
At the beginning of summer 2021, nightlife slowly began to reopen with new restrictions in place. Some of the most renowned parties reopened under temporary new business models, some clubs held parties with strict time limits and masking, and others shifted to open-air daytime events in different spaces. Throughout the summer revelers flocked to events, and COVID cases remained low, so the city prepared itself to fully open. The reopening of these spaces were momentous for those who work in or frequent them, bringing back not only an important part of the economy but a much needed place of community and celebration.
The project, ‘Berlin must go on.’ documents an historic moment in the mecca of electronic music, where revelers were suspended between worlds and the leaders of the industry fought to maintain its unique essence and point of view. The artist was able to take images inside of spaces that are rarely (if ever) photographed, having the support of club owners and artists to show the world what makes this scene so worth fighting for and the trust of all participants being a member of the community himself since 2003.
At the beginning of summer 2021, nightlife slowly began to reopen with new restrictions in place. Some of the most renowned parties reopened under temporary new business models, some clubs held parties with strict time limits and masking, and others shifted to open-air daytime events in different spaces. Throughout the summer revelers flocked to events, and COVID cases remained low, so the city prepared itself to fully open. The reopening of these spaces were momentous for those who work in or frequent them, bringing back not only an important part of the economy but a much needed place of community and celebration.
The project, ‘Berlin must go on.’ documents an historic moment in the mecca of electronic music, where revelers were suspended between worlds and the leaders of the industry fought to maintain its unique essence and point of view. The artist was able to take images inside of spaces that are rarely (if ever) photographed, having the support of club owners and artists to show the world what makes this scene so worth fighting for and the trust of all participants being a member of the community himself since 2003.
© Rubén Salgado Escudero