Canary Islands Culture Group in Berlin Faces Closure Due to Rising Rent

Canarias en Berlín (Canary Islands in Berlin) was started in 2001 by a group of islanders living in Berlin. Their goal was to showcase the art and culture of the Canary Islands.

Over the years, the group has hosted many artists from the islands, sharing their talents with both the Canarian community in Germany and Berliners interested in Canarian culture. They also work with similar groups in Berlin from other regions of Spain, like Galicia, the Basque Country, and Catalonia.

However, this organization, which promotes Canarian culture, is struggling financially and might have to close. Heriberto Rodríguez Hernández, the president since 2023, is asking the Canary Islands' government for help. He told DIARIO DE AVISOS, "The only support we get is from the Canary Islands' Government. We appreciate it, but it's not enough anymore."

Rodríguez says a few things are threatening the group's future. One is that the original members are getting older, and fewer people are joining. Another is that the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 stopped all activities and significantly reduced income, like it did for many organizations.

But Rodríguez says the biggest problem is the rising cost of rent in Berlin. "In just one year," he says, "the rent for our headquarters has almost doubled."

"We have no choice but to ask for help," Rodríguez emphasizes. "We want to keep giving talented Canarians the chance to share their work internationally, blending traditional and modern styles. But to do that, we need to be able to afford our space."

He concludes, "We're not asking for much, just enough resources to pay the rent without so much difficulty and to consistently offer our programs, including art, literature, music, film, theater, talks, and food. Even the little we can do now is greatly appreciated."