On September 12, fifty works by artists, photographers, and architects — primarily from Berlin — will be auctioned by the renowned auction house Grisebach to support an ambitious project: making the Spree Canal and other waterways in Berlin swimmable. Organized by Fluss Bad Berlin, a grassroots initiative dedicated to sustainable urban development, this event seeks to reclaim the city’s water heritage for its residents.
Notable artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Katharina Grosse, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Elmgreen & Dragset have united to champion a vision that reimagines Berlin’s waterways as central elements of urban life. This project echoes the transformation of the Seine River for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, addressing both social and environmental challenges in a city where water not only shapes the landscape but also enhances daily life: they guide us on our strolls, serve as unmissable meeting places, and offer the best evenings — the only thing missing is the possibility of swimming. In a way, the project aims to turn the concept of the “Badeschiff” — a floating swimming pool on the Spree River since 2004 — into a broader reality by making Berlin’s canals accessible for swimming.
Proceeds used to measure water quality
According to the Water Competence Center, Berlin’s canals are already close to being suitable for swimming, thanks to advanced filtration technologies like UV treatment. The initiative will begin with a pilot swimming area in the historical center of Berlin, with plans to gradually extend access. It aims to rejuvenate urban spaces and foster a sense of community, health, and sustainability for all Berliners.
All proceeds from the auction will be used by Fluss Bad Berlin to develop a system for monitoring water quality in the Spree Canal, with real-time data accessible to residents through a dedicated app.
50 works to grab, 50 techniques, 50 visions
The exhibition, running from September 12 to 15, will showcase a diverse range of artistic interpretations of water’s essential role in life—from sensory and cultural to political dimensions. United in a spirit of solidarity, these works advocate for the right to clean water and envision a future Berlin where its rivers and canals are open to all.
Under the patronage of German director Nicolette Krebitz, the auction will feature starting bids ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros. Participating photographers include names like Wolfgang Tillmans, Michael Wesely, Maciej Markowicz, Nina Fischer & Maroan El Sani, Annette Hauschild, and Tobias Zielony, among others.
“Imagine a day when we can all immerse ourselves in the clean, refreshing waters of the river, right in the heart of our city, washing away the stress of daily life,” Polish photographer Maciej Markowicz envisions. “This is the dream of Fluss Bad Berlin, one that can be realized with the dedication and support of Berlin’s community.”
How to participate ?
Art enthusiasts and collectors interested in participating in the auction should register by emailing [email protected]. For those unable to attend in person, bids can also be placed directly on the website or by email (same email address).
As part of the Berlin Art Week, the “50 Für Bad Berlin” auction will take place on September 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Bauakademie.
Vernissage
11.09.2024, 18:00 – 21:00
Exposition
12.09.2024, 12:00 – 17:00
13.–15.09.2024, 12:00 – 20:00
Address
Bauakademie (Red Hall, Werderscher Markt)
Schinkelplatz 1
10117 Berlin
