Artists' Initiative East Side Gallery e.V.

Since 1996, this organization has worked to sustain the East Side Gallery. All of the artists who participated in creating images on the wall are members of this organization, unless they objected to joining it. Their interests to protect their images and preserve the East Side Gallery are represented by the Board. In 2009, a major goal was accomplished. One hundred of the images on the wall were repainted by the artists. However, there is still the remaining problem of graffiti. Starting from the paintings of Sperling, Santoni, Greul-Aschanta, Porath and Koutsuras, the graffiti on six neighboring images is so severe, that they are no longer identifiable. Each artist involved, is encouraged to report this vandalism to the police, so that the public becomes aware that this monument is to be respected. The organization has succeeded in raising annual funds to remove graffiti damage. The district Friedrichshain, will receive from the municipal government financial aid to hire a company to repair damages and protect the images on the wall.

Membership Meeting on 15.09.2010

A report was given on the work that was done over the last two years. Afterwards, the activities oft he previous board were approved and a new board was elected. The following changes were made: in addition to the artists, paying members can also become a part of the organization. Sabine Lünert und Jörg Weber became members because they have volunteered for the organization for years. They gained wide acceptance from the artists due to their efforts in coordinating the restoration in 2009. The new board is comprised of the following members:

Chairman: Kani Alavi

Vice-Chairman: Thierry Noir, Andy Weiss

Members: Ursula Wünsch, Kasra Alavi

Treasurer: Sabine Lünert

Press/Secretary: Jörg Weber

Each of the members was elected by an absolute majority. Fifteen artists participated in the membership meeting, while representing the interests of nineteen members.