taz.de
Schirn Kunsthalle's Temporary Occupation of Frankfurt's Dondorf Printing House Preserves Building Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt will temporarily occupy the former Dondorf printing house in Bockenheim from September 7th, 2024, for two years, preserving the building while its main building is renovated; this follows a period of occupation and activism to prevent demolition, yet conflict remains between the museum and former occupants regarding accessibility and community involvement.
- What are the immediate consequences of the Schirn Kunsthalle's temporary occupation of the Dondorf printing house?
- The Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, a major European art museum, will temporarily occupy the former Dondorf printing house in Frankfurt's Bockenheim district for two years starting September 7th, 2024, while its main building undergoes renovations. This secures the printing house's preservation, a victory for activists who had fought against its demolition. However, disagreements remain between the museum and the former building occupants.
- How does this situation reflect broader conflicts between community activism, urban development, and the role of cultural institutions?
- The temporary use of the Dondorf printing house by the Schirn highlights the complex interplay between preservation efforts, artistic initiatives, and commercial interests in urban development. The conflict showcases the tension between community-led initiatives and established institutions, mirroring similar struggles in other cities where artist-led occupation led to gentrification. The Schirn's presence prevents demolition but raises questions about the balance between accessibility and commercial viability of cultural spaces.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of this temporary use model on community involvement and the prevention of gentrification in similar situations?
- This situation foreshadows future challenges in balancing urban development with community needs and artistic expression. The temporary use model might become a common approach for preserving historic buildings, yet the lack of meaningful inclusion of original community occupants raises concerns about the equitable distribution of cultural resources and risks repeating patterns of gentrification. The success of integrating community initiatives, such as a memorial space and shared use of the second floor, will be critical in determining this case's legacy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative around the conflict and the eventual compromise, highlighting the disappointment of the squatters while also emphasizing the positive outcome of saving the building from demolition. The headline (if any) and introductory paragraphs likely set the stage for this conflict-resolution narrative, potentially downplaying the broader implications of gentrification and community displacement inherent in such situations. The examples from New York and Rome are used to illustrate the broader context but could be seen as subtly framing the Frankfurt situation within a narrative of inevitable gentrification.
Language Bias
The article generally uses neutral language. However, terms like "squatters" could carry a slightly negative connotation compared to terms like "occupiers" or "activists." The description of the squatters' goals as wanting to create a "self-managed, non-commercial meeting place" could be viewed as subtly contrasting with the Schirn's more formal and commercial aims, implicitly favoring the Schirn's perspective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the conflict between the squatters, the initiative, and the Schirn Kunsthalle, but omits discussion of the perspectives of local residents beyond those directly involved in the conflict or those representing the city government's position. The article mentions the high cost of living in the Westend, but doesn't directly connect that to the potential for gentrification resulting from the Schirn's temporary use of the building. Further, the long history of the building, including its use by the Nazis, is detailed, but its broader significance within Frankfurt's history is not explored.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as a choice between demolition and commercial use (the Schirn's temporary occupation), neglecting other potential uses for the building that might better align with the squatters' and initiative's goals. The potential for community-led development and the possibility of a negotiated solution that incorporates some aspects of both the squatters' vision and the Schirn's are not thoroughly considered.
Gender Bias
While the article uses gender-neutral language (*in* instead of *innen*), it doesn't overtly demonstrate gender bias in representation or language. However, the frequent use of the term "squatters" might implicitly portray the individuals involved in a negative light. There's no explicit focus on gender roles or stereotypes in the descriptions of the participants.
Sustainable Development Goals
The temporary use of the Dondorf printing house by the Schirn Kunsthalle prevents demolition and repurposes a historical building, contributing to the sustainable development of the urban area. The involvement of local initiatives in the future use of the building also fosters community engagement and participation in urban planning.