Policy on diversity and anti-discrimination

The Deutsche Kinemathek stands for a pluralistic, democratic, and inclusive society. In practice, this means defending the democracy and the freedom of art, as well as actively shaping our commitment to anti-discrimination. It also applies to the handling of critical content in our archives.

The Deutsche Kinemathek stands for a pluralistic, democratic, and inclusive society. In practice, this means defending the democracy and the freedom of art, as well as actively shaping our commitment to anti-discrimination. It also applies to the handling of critical content in our archives. 

Violations of boundaries and discrimination can occur on individual, structural, and institutional levels. We aim to create the best conditions for our visitors and employees while being aware that no space can ever be completely safe.

We are jointly committed to ensuring that visitors, guests, employees, and partner institutions treat each other with respect. The basis for our actions is an atmosphere that is respectful, discriminatory, and as safe as possible. We use gender-sensitive language, respect self-designations, and gender identities, and stand for inclusive action in our activities and services. 

All employees and visitors to the Kinemathek are invited to contribute to a respectful environment and to act responsibly. We stand in solidarity with people who are ousted to the margins of society through unequal treatment. Discrimination — including anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, queerphobia, sexism, ableism, classism, weight stigma, and ageism — has no place in our society.

We strive to remove physical, digital, language, and social barriers so that everyone has unrestricted access to our services. This includes barrier-free access to our premises, our website, and our events insofar as this is possible.

We maintain an open dialogue on social developments and forms of artistic expression, and actively seek cooperation with various communities. We also pay attention to equal opportunities, diversity, and intersectionality when advertising jobs, selecting applicants, and appointing staff.

We examine our own power structures and privileges, and strive for an inclusive and equitable organizational culture. In doing so, we aim to develop our institution further. This requires a company culture that is tolerant of errors. No one is perfect. But we can recognize our mistakes and learn from them.

We listen to those affected and take them seriously. At the same time, we are aware that it is not the task of those affected to educate us. To ensure that we treat each other with as little discrimination and harassment as possible, we critically reflect on our own patterns of behavior and thinking and regularly educate ourselves.

Processes of change are long-term and dynamic, and affect the entire organization. Discussion and contextualization are basic requirements. The position formulated here represents the current state of our process. We are working intensively and continuously to reflect this attitude through a variety of measures in work practice. This text will be regularly reviewed and updated to meet those aims.

We welcome feedback via the communication channel of your choice or via → info [at] deutsche-kinemathek.de (info[at]deutsche-kinemathek[dot]de).