Original version

BBC World Service Online

The Forum

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Discover world history, culture and ideas with today’s leading experts

The Forum: 24/09/2011 GMT

Discussion & Talk

24/09/2011 GMT

BBC World Service - The Forum, 24/09/2011 GMT

What makes Berlin such a cultural success?  Is it because of or despite of its rich Federal funding.  A special show recorded at the Berlin International Literature Festival.

Berlin is a city that prides itself on fostering all sorts of creativity. A grand cultural past and a celebration of new design.  

So what is it that nourishes culture in this city? Is it despite or because of the generous funding by the government?   Is Berlin immune from economic crisis, or does it thrive on being an oasis of creativity with a troubled past? 

Fresh perspectives from a young New Zealand poet on a visiting residency in Berlin, Courtney Meredith, the Australian novelist Peter Goldsworthy, and from Berlin, the publisher and editor who was Germany’s first Federal Minister of Culture, Michael Naumann.  Plus lively comments from young Berliners and cultural visitors. 

Illustration by Emily Kasriel.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Forum

24/09/2011 GMT

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service