Petition to Save UdK Berlin Sound Studies and Sonic Arts Program Amid Planned Closures: Rally to Protect Berlin’s Sound Art Future

The Petition to Save UdK Berlin Sound Studies and Sonic Arts Program Amid Planned Closures demands urgent public action to halt the University of the Arts Berlin’s plan to discontinue its master’s in Sound Studies and Sonic Arts. This program represents Berlin’s only university-level training in sound art, and therefore it anchors a fragile ecosystem of experimental musicians, composers, researchers, and cultural producers. If closed, the city loses not only a degree but a hub for knowledge transfer and artistic innovation. Moreover, current students and future applicants face lost opportunities, and the international profile of Berlin’s sound scene will suffer. Because the measure is described as irreversible, time is short to influence UdK decision-makers. As a result, the petition has gathered thousands of signatures, showing public support. We urge readers to learn the stakes, speak up for artistic education, and back the petition to preserve a program that fosters creative research, sonic experimentation, and Berlin’s cultural reputation.

Petition to Save UdK Berlin Sound Studies and Sonic Arts Program Amid Planned Closures

The Sound Studies and Sonic Arts master at the University of the Arts Berlin grew from a niche course into a leading incubator for experimental sound practice. Because it served as Berlin’s only university-level sound art degree program, it became essential for composers, media artists, and researchers. Moreover, the program linked artistic practice with academic research and public projects. As a result, the course enabled knowledge transfer and fostered artistic excellence across the city.

The program supported collaboration across music, media, and visual arts. It trained 63 current students, hosted international visiting artists, and fed Berlin’s experimental music scene. However, UdK has announced a strategic restructuring and stopped new admissions, which threatens this unique ecosystem. The news prompted a public outcry and a petition that already gathered thousands of signatures. Critics warn of deep cultural loss, noting that “the city of Berlin, world-renowned as a center for sound art and experimental electronic music, also loses its only university-level program in this field.” Additionally, sources state that “once dissolved, this grown structure of knowledge transfer and the establishment of artistic excellence cannot be restored.”

For official details and the university announcement, see this link.

Key Fact	Detail
UdK decision	Strategic realignment of continuing education. UdK plans to discontinue all master programs at the Central Institute from the next winter semester. The closure is described as irreversible.
Program impact	Berlin’s only university level Sound Studies and Sonic Arts program would end. As a result, the city loses a hub for knowledge transfer and artistic excellence.
Enrolled students	63 students are currently enrolled. All enrolled students will be allowed to complete their degrees.
Applications	UdK is no longer accepting new applications for the affected programs.
Public response	Petition has gathered over 3,300 signatures calling to protect the program.
Timeline & status	Measure scheduled for the next winter semester. If implemented, the change cannot be reversed.

Impact of the Closure on Berlin’s Sound Art Scene and Education

Program as a hub for practice and research

Closing the Sound Studies and Sonic Arts master would remove a central training ground for sound art education, experimental music, and sonic research in Berlin. The program acts as a bridge between artistic practice and academic inquiry, supplying skills, critique, and networks to composers, media artists, and researchers. Without this degree, festivals, independent labs, and cultural projects would lose a dependable pipeline of trained practitioners and creative innovators.

Cultural institutions and knowledge exchange at risk

The effects extend beyond individual artists. Institutional collaborations and curricular innovation rely on the expertise that graduates bring to universities, museums, and venues. Furthermore, ending admissions and discontinuing master programs at the Central Institute disrupts long term knowledge transfer that helps sustain Berlin’s reputation for forward looking sound culture. For reporting on the decision and public reaction see UdK announcement.

Students and educators are already feeling the consequences. Although current students may complete their degrees, stopped admissions mean fewer future teachers, mentors, and researchers entering the field. Consequently, the closure could reduce diversity in artistic research, slow the development of new pedagogies, and weaken technical expertise available to the wider cultural ecosystem.

Micro summary

In short, the proposed closure risks a long term decline in Berlin’s sound art ecosystem by cutting training pathways, weakening institutional ties, and diminishing the city’s capacity for sonic innovation. Immediate advocacy can help preserve these educational and cultural networks. (sources: Groove, UdK)

Conclusion

The planned closure of UdK’s Sound Studies and Sonic Arts master threatens a unique hub for sonic research across Europe. Because it is Berlin’s only university level program, the loss reaches beyond classrooms. Moreover, cultural institutions, festivals, and independent labs would lose a steady pipeline of trained artists and international collaborators. Critics caution the effect could be irreversible for knowledge transfer and artistic excellence. UdK already stopped new applications and plans to discontinue master programs at the Central Institute next winter.

The petition to save the program already shows broad public support and urgent concern. All enrolled students may complete degrees, yet the program will not accept new cohorts. Therefore, readers should sign, share, and contact decision makers to demand reconsideration immediately. As a result, community advocacy can protect Berlin’s sound art future and academic diversity for decades. This moment demands swift, collective action from artists, educators, and allies now.