The fourth edition of Reference Studios' Berlin festival is almost upon us and after exploring creativity through both physical and virtual realities in its most recent incarnations, this time it is very much back to IRL.
The two-day event arrives alongside Berlin's Gallery Weeknd and consists of curated installations, exhibitions, performances, workshops, screenings, and panels, which center around this edition's theme of Insomnia.
A response to the ever-changing world and the unrest which this causes, a statement by Reference Studios says that "the festival exercises the subject from all perspectives, realities and the multitude of reasons for a universal wakefulness."
Running alongside the scheduled programming below is a host of permanent installations and workshops from the likes of Slam Jam, Vestiaire Collective, and an exhibition by Rug Riders, the latter of which includes an auction in which you can participate. The tug dealer has collaborated with a number of international tattoo artists on nine custom rugs which will be presented at the festival before being auctioned on April 30 with all proceeds going to UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency.
Kicking things off on April 29, the event begins with a series of DJ sets by 41SSA, Lucia, and Yha Yha along with a performance by Croatia's dirty-minded techno star Only Fire before German artist Luki von der Gracht screens her film along with a live performance on the outdoor stage.
And if you're looking for a beverage to enjoy the day's festivities with, we're hosting a pop-up with Milan's Bar Basso to celebrate our recent collection where the Negroni Sbagliatos will be flowing.
Scheduled to finish at 10.00 PM, you won't want to stay up too late as the following day starts with Hans Ulrich Obrist's Brutally Early Club. The club which the curator co-founded with Markus Miessen usually meets up at 6.30 in London, Berlin, New York, and Paris, but it has pushed its regular programming back for festival-goers to engage in discussions along with Luki von der Gracht from 7 AM.
Followed up by meditation with Eddie Vero and the ON Gallery Run, a morning of wellness precedes panel talks hosted by Stylenotcom and the Institute of Digital Fashion, a film screening by Nico Vascellari, and, to finish off a busy day, Kanucia will perform a one hour DJ Set.
Reference Festival is open to the public upon RSVP on Friday, April 29th, and Saturday, April 30th at Pop KUDAMN (Kurfürstendamm 229, 10719 Berlin).
