Since more than 170 years the VBK offers an open space for communication and presentations in a variety of artistic practice. Besides the presentation of contemporary and current art in all artistic areas in the Gallery of the VBK, the Verein Berliner Künstler (founded in 1841) dedicates itself to international artist exchange and critical discourse about art and society. The self-government of the VBK opens a sphere of influence where artists find new perspectives in the active co-creation and organization of their own projects. The extensive Archive houses collection of the members since the 19th Century. The documental part of the archive, autographs and photo material is treasured by the Academy of Arts Berlin.