Savvy Contemporary's Global Laboratory in Berlin Defies Transient Art Space Trends

Savvy Contemporary, established in Berlin five years ago by Cameroonian Bonaventure Ndikung, utilizes a global "trialogue" exhibition approach to encourage interaction among artists and curators across different continents. In the summer of 2013, the organization moved to a 400sqm former power station on Richardstrasse, backed by a €30,000 grant from the Berlin Culture Ministry. Among its significant exhibitions is "Giving Contours to Shadows" in 2014, which received funding from the German Federal Cultural Foundation and showcased artists such as Otobong Nkanga. Co-artistic director Elena Agudio oversees various initiatives, including performance art, a reading room, coworking space Savvy Desk, and an artist residency program. Despite winter closures, Savvy remains engaged with volunteer events and performances, filling a void in Berlin's support for non-Western art.