Guarantees to Support Artists in Acquiring Workspaces for Self-Use

The State of Berlin supports professional artists and artist collectives with a business establishment, workplace, studio, or residence in Berlin. The aim is to enable the acquisition of self-used workspaces, especially when access to the capital market is limited or the required banking collateral cannot be provided.

The State Workspace Guarantee supports the acquisition of real estate, shares in associations of persons, and necessary modernization or maintenance measures. The premises must serve as workspaces for self-use by artists.

Funding is provided in the form of a default guarantee, which secures a significant portion of the loan volume. There are defined minimum and maximum amounts as well as tiered guarantee rates. The term of the guarantee is also fixed and tied to the useful life of the property.

The granting of guarantees is subject to specific state aid regulations, collateral requirements, and reporting obligations. In addition, certain conditions regarding creditworthiness and the intended use of the workspaces must be met.

The application for a state guarantee must be submitted in writing through the lender to Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB). The process involves a comprehensive review by the IBB, the Senate Department for Culture, and the State Art Guarantee Committee before a decision on approval is made.

The funding program is based on specific guidelines of the State of Berlin and is subject to overarching budgetary law and European state aid regulations. These documents define the legal framework for the granting and administration of guarantees.