transmediale is an annual festival and cultural institution for art and digital culture in Berlin, Germany, that brings together artists, researchers, activists, and thinkers of diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and identities. Since its inception almost forty years ago, transmediale and its community have been deeply rooted in critical practices, addressing the political dimensions of art, technology, and digital culture at the core of the festival. These foundations have shaped transmediale’s ethos, making freedom of expression and the protection of artistic freedom fundamental values. This commitment underscores the festival’s ongoing dedication to fostering critical dialogue while exploring the intersections of digital culture, politics, and art.
transmediale acknowledges that the festival’s discourse is shaped by the experiences of individuals and communities facing historical and ongoing intersectional oppression. Creating a safer space for all participants, visitors, and collaborators starts with recognising how institutionalised forms of oppression permeate society and, by extension, transmediale, its organisational structure, and its events. In response, the festival is committed to actively combating racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination in both its physical and online spaces . This includes the festival’s overall programming as well as listening to and learning from the specific experiences of marginalised communities – participants, visitors, and staff – in order to continuously reform the institution and its anti-discriminatory measures. This commitment is rooted in a broader dedication to equity and inclusivity within the festival and its structures.
what we encourage and are committed to
transmediale aims to create a safer space for diverse expressions of art and for freedom of speech, upholding the values of respect and care. We strive to provide a supportive festival experience for everyone. All participants and visitors should have the right to attend the festival in person or online free from the threat of discrimination or harassment, regardless of their personal attributes such as gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, religion, socio-economic status, background, nationality, or birthplace.
Participants and visitors are reminded to treat everyone with respect and care and acknowledge the personal boundaries that individuals set for themselves. As a festival and institution that is based in Berlin and engages with an international audience, transmediale upholds its responsibility to its online and offline communities. We encourage the expression of a wide range of opinions, including those that may be controversial, unpleasant, objectionable, or annoying to certain parties.
what we do not accept
No use of derogatory language, nor any form of harassment, racism, antisemitism, islamophobia, sexism, transphobia, ableism, queerphobia, classism, nor any form of discrimination or oppressive behaviour will be tolerated. We denounce all expressions of violence or threat against any person or group, whether these are present at the festival or not. Incitement of hate, bullying, or negative stereotypes expressed against any individuals or groups of people will not be tolerated. Overstepping the boundaries of respectful discourse or any discriminatory behaviour can lead to exclusion from the festival’s events.
transmediale as a cultural organisation in Germany
transmediale is a publicly-funded, not-for-profit organisation located in Berlin with the specific cultural and historical background of Germany. We ask festival guests and participants to be aware of current laws and regulations in the federal state of Berlin and in Germany, which also apply to transmediale’s festival events.
how to report
If you observe or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct or any other uncomfortable situation at any transmediale event, there are three ways you can report it: you can approach our info counter and/or awareness team; you can send a direct message to our telegram @transmediale_team ; or you can write to us at hello[at]transmediale.de.
Reports can be submitted with or without identifying information about yourself or the offender(s). All reports will be treated seriously, with discretion, and promptly responded to. The affected person will appropriately be involved in all decisions and actions. We implement this policy throughout the festival and all our activities, and we expect all participants to help ensure a safer environment for everyone at all festival venues and festival-related events. transmediale reserves the right to (permanently) exclude anyone who violates this Code of Conduct, without any right to a refund.
awareness is a process
To ensure a respectful environment in our shared space, we, as organisers, continually educate ourselves and encourage everyone to do the same. By broadening our understanding of various forms of discrimination through diverse literature and perspectives, we strive to adopt an informed and sensitive approach. This continuous learning aligns with our community’s values of inclusivity and respect, fostering empathy, and seeking to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome.
Although we work within our team to provide safer spaces throughout the festival, we may not always get it right. Your feedback is always welcome because it helps us to learn for the future. Please contact us at hello[at]transmediale.de or via telegram to @transmediale_team if you want to raise a concern or speak with us confidently.