Stiftung Zukunft Berlin (SZB) is a forum for a new kind of civic responsibility: Approximately 500 volunteers work with political representatives, contributing their experience and competence, on a local, national and European level. The foundation activates public figures and partner institutions with a view to develop and communicate shared positions, thus assuming joint responsibility not only for the future of Berlin but the future of European Union in general. SZB executes several European projects with volunteers from across Europe that aim at turning citizens from mere spectators of the political process to civic actors and thus at creating a “Europe from the bottom up”, through the potential of arts and culture.

The foundation and its volunteers work into areas of interest to the citizens of Berlin and the future of the city, towards creating greater synergies between Berlin and its neighbouring region Brandenburg, as well as for a Europe from the Bottom-Up. The topics of the foundation range from general questions of democracy and participation in Berlin, active citizenship, involving young people and marginalized groups into decision-making processes, empowering citizens to stand up for Europe. Some of our formats are: the Berlin-Forum, an open forum for citizens´ participation, culture-driven urban development activities, dialogue activities (Fishbowls, conferences, round-tables, podiums, idea markets, open spaces) bringing citizens and decision makers together, citizens consultancy groups, building cross-border and cross-sectoral networks, youth think tanks, intergenerational workshops, etc.