The U8 has a bad rep, but it’s one of the lines that crosses some of the most diverse parts of the city. Chandra Piveta, the founder of U8 Haus, a newly opened art space in Schillerkiez, took that as part of her inspiration in opening up the space. As a Neukölln local for many years herself, creating a space that incorporates diverse elements of the city, as they are, is part of the point. The space opened in late winter but has already shown
a wide variety of artists. One standout piece from opening night is a painting of the U-Bahn set at night, glowing with playful neon electricity, mirroring the ethos of the space. The curation at U8 Haus is done in a wide variety of ways, but most important in the selection process is that the artists are all Berlin-based and that their work resonates with the vision. But what really sets U8 Haus apart from other spaces is the flexible, community-based approach they take to programming
and curation and the focus they place on experimentation and collaboration. In addition to a regular exhibition cycle, the venue also hosts monthly workshops and is open to collaborations and projects as they arise. This non-linear approach to artistic curation seems only appropriate given the space’s namesake. We spoke to the U8 Haus team to hear about how the space came to be, their vision for the future and, of course, the name. U8 Haus is a new space dedicated to promoting Berlin-based contemporary artists.
How do you select the artists you showcase? U8 HAUS is driven by a curatorial approach that values experimentation, accessibility, openness and community. The space focuses on Berlin-based artists whose practices engage and resonate with contemporary cultural dynamics. Within this framework, it welcomes a wide range of media, forms of expression and thematic approaches. We often discover artists through studio visits, recommendations, applications and ongoing conversations within our network, prioritising those whose work resonates with the spirit of the space. What sets U8 Haus apart
from other art and project spaces in Berlin? U8 HAUS stands out as a permanent space dedicated to showcasing Berlin-based artists. It was created with the desire to establish a more permanent point of access to the production of artists, rather than relying on short-term pop-up formats. U8 Haus positions itself as both a platform and a process. Rather than operating solely as an exhibition venue, we aim to be a living, adaptive environment where ideas are tested, challenged and developed in real time. Our
scale allows for flexibility and we embrace that by supporting projects that might not fit within more conventional institutional frameworks. How does experimentation, collaboration and community building play into your space and the programming? Alongside our exhibitions, we host monthly workshops and open up the space for projects, collaborations and selective rentals, encouraging a more active and shared use of U8 Haus. This flexible setup allows different formats to coexist, from public events to more process-driven or experimental uses of the space. Collaboration is at
the core of this approach and often develops organically, bringing together artists and creatives from different disciplines and backgrounds to generate new perspectives, dialogues and outcomes. Community building is equally central to U8 Haus. We see the space as a meeting point where people can exchange ideas, engage with ongoing processes and feel part of a continuous and evolving conversation. Since the beginning of April we’ve partnered with the café Die Kaffeemaschine, combining art and coffee into one space. It’s also an idea to blur
the line between everyday experience and engaging with art. Experimentation runs through all of these layers. It’s reflected, not only in the artistic practices we support, but also in how we design and activate the program itself, allowing formats to shift, evolve and respond over time. This openness is essential to how the space functions and enables us to continuously test and develop new ideas. How did you come up with the name? The name U8 HAUS is deeply rooted in Berlin’s urban landscape and
rhythm. The U8 line is one of the city’s most iconic subway routes, cutting through very different neighbourhoods and carrying a constant flow of creativity, contrasts, and impressions, something we see as very alive and inspiring. At the same time, the reference to the U8 also brings in a subtle sense of humour. Many Berliners have a troubled relationship with the line and often complain about it. We wanted to reframe that association in a playful way. ‘U8 HAUS’ also speaks to the underground as
a contrast to the more traditional circuit. It reflects an open space, a bit raw, and connected to movement, people and the city. Are there any big highlights to look out for this year? U8 HAUS has already received a really positive response and we’re looking forward to an exciting lineup of projects this year. In May, we participated in Berlin Design Week as an independent venue, presenting a project by artist and designer Mia Akhavan, who showcased her work with 3D-printed textiles in dialogue
with late Berlin-Bauhaus artist Anni Albers. In July, we’re excited to be one of the main locations for 48 Stunden Neukölln, featuring a new exhibition as part of the festival program. For July we’re also developing a whole new U8 HAUS exhibition about the sensory and affective dimensions of materiality, curated by Carolina Pretell. In addition, we’re planning collaborations with other independent spaces in Berlin to expand our network and create shared moments across the city. Visit U8 Haus at Herrfurthstraße 9 and follow them
on IG @u8.haus
U8 Haus, Schillerkiez, Neukölln, Berlin-based contemporary artists, Berlin Design Week, 48 Stunden Neukölln, Die Kaffeemaschine, Mia Akhavan, Anni Albers, Carolina Pretell, Herrfurthstraße 9