Hamburg Launches First Art Week with 84 Venues, Aiming to Rival Berlin

This weekend marks the beginning of the first Hamburg Art Week, titled 'Crossing Currents', which will showcase 84 locations, comprising 47 galleries, 30 off-spaces, and 20 institutions, all aimed at promoting Hamburg's contemporary art landscape. Kultursenator Carsten Brosda (SPD) recognized that while Hamburg currently trails behind Berlin, it boasts advantages such as bike-friendly access. The event includes six distinct routes led by student guides, with exhibitions continuing beyond the initial weekend. A significant concentration of galleries is found at the Kontorhaus, which was preserved from demolition by Hans-Jochen 'Jockel' Waitz in 1989. Co-initiator Luise Nagel pointed out the local community's lack of awareness regarding the city's prestigious galleries. Additionally, the Kunsthalle, supported by the Bucerius Foundation and others, will unveil 'This is the Modern World', featuring 20th-century art.