Berlin’s Refuge Worldwide launches fundraiser to secure future of radio station

Berlin’s Refuge Worldwide launches fundraiser to secure future of radio station

Berlin independent radio station Refuge Worldwide has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help it stay on air.

Announcing the fundraiser via an Instagram post, the team at Refuge Worldwide said: “While considering our options and the current climate in Germany, we have decided that we have little choice but to launch a crowdfunder in order to support the station’s projects and stay on air.”

Detailing why the financial support was required, the post added: “Rents are rising, costs increasing, and the political climate has become hostile towards independent spaces, grassroots culture and organisations that platform marginalised voices. Public funding that once supported the arts is being redirected or reduced. Many of our peers are facing closure, and it is harder and harder to operate within Germany.”

The team behind the online station said they have struggled to stay afloat over the past 12 months due to shrinking resources, and have been forced to make staff cuts in order to continue operating. “While we have kept busy with many amazing projects, the funds mostly just cover the projects themselves, and do not stretch to our overheads.”

In addition to platforming radio shows from a diverse group of DJs and broadcasters, Refuge Worldwide hosts workshops and teaching programmes to support people based in Berlin and beyond. It’s moving from its current studio base to a smaller and cheaper space still in Berlin in order to cut some costs.

Related Posts