BERLIN.- The eleventh Gallery Weekend Berlin takes place from 1 – 3 May. 47 participating galleries open their exhibitions on this art weekend. Contemporary positions of established artists, as well as promising newcomers will be presented.

The gallery space takes a central role during Gallery Weekend Berlin. The concept of the White Cube as an ideal space to allow visitors a complete reception of art free from the distractions of architecture or other influences can be traced back to the 1920s. Over the last decade, the perception of the gallery space has developed and changed. Exhibition space and architecture increasingly merge into an integrated concept for the perception of art – for instance, in old apartments, in factory buildings, in a church, in a former boiler room in a tower block or in an office building. The highly diverse gallery spaces in Berlin serve primarily to present works of art and also as key settings for interaction between gallerist, artist, collector and art enthusiast.

Berlin is one of the most important art metropolises owing to the remarkable quality and number of galleries, the multifaceted art scene and the numerous, internationally exhibiting artists who live and work here. Once a year on Gallery Weekend Berlin, a selection of renowned galleries join together, open their doors and invite national and international collectors, curators and art enthusiasts into their spaces and present works by their artists.

Gallery Weekend Berlin commenced with the Welcome Reception on Thursday, 30 April. The official exhibition openings take place on Friday, 1 May. Invited guests will be welcomed at the traditional Gala Dinner held on Saturday.

In order to abridge the time for international visitors until the Venice Biennale, which this year opens shortly after Gallery Weekend Berlin, the participating galleries will additionally open their exhibitions on Monday, 4 May.

Gallery Weekend Berlin was founded eleven years ago as a private initiative of Berlin galleries. It draws collectors, curators and art enthusiasts from all over the world to Berlin and has established itself as a successful event for contemporary art. abc art berlin contemporary takes place this year from 17 – 20 September in the Station Berlin. Both events serve to promote Berlin as an art market location and bring participants together. They are backed by a board of Berlin gallery owners. Maike Cruse is the director, Christiane Rhein is the general manager.

For the second time, the Swiss watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet is partner of Gallery Weekend. This partnership is to continue over the forthcoming years. Long standing partner BMW accompanies the event and offers an extensive shuttle service.