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When the Wall fell in 1989, many West Berlin artists saw reunification as an opportunity to develop a new culture and make a difference in East Berlin society. Artists migrated to the east and set up studios in deserted buildings. These squatters did not pay rent or have permission to live there, but their way of life flourished.
In 1994, 10 squatters came together with an idea of creating an organization that would support the youth. The Youth African Artist Movement (YAAM) was born. The artists based it on the African artists culture that was open minded and supported a peaceful form of expression.
YAAM also promotes an international atmosphere, a place where all cultures and art forms - from graffiti and fashion, to cooking and music - can be embraced. Throughout the last decade YAAM has squatted in five different locations, never spending more than three years in a single location. The organization always selects places that have been abandoned, hoping to bring back life to the area. Once the culture thrives, participants move to the next location to revive the culture.
Six years ago, founders were so happy with the progress YAAM had made with art exhibits, concerts and fashion shows that they felt they could do more. They decided to dedicate one day each week to the public. They picked Sundays to celebrate with an all-afternoon party for the whole family. Both young and old could go outside and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere to hang out, listen to music, eat, play sports and be with each other.
On Sundays there are 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and beach soccer matches. A market offers a wide choice of food specialties from Africa, the Caribbean, South America and Asia. Sundays also feature a graffiti clinic to introduce the art form to a broader audience. It was inspired by Jim Avignon, who initially influenced the visual appearance of YAAM. The Sunday setting offers painters, sprayers, and photographers a chance to present their work to a more expansive audience. |
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