’Regenbogenfabrik’ is situated in a typical Kreuzberg backyard, hidden behind houses built in the Wilhelminian style. Everybody who ventures beyond the entranceway to ‘Regenbogenfabrik’ will be warmly welcomed.
 

The colourful garden of ‘Regenbogenfabrik’ is surrounded by the various outbuildings of a former factory. Together with the old brick chimney of the onetime steam-powered sawmill, these form a national heritage site. 

                      
Today, the various buildings that make up ‘Regenbogenfabrik’ house very different projects.

In our hostel, we frequently welcome international groups and tourists from many countries.
 

We run several small trade projects:
a carpentry
a bicycle workshop
a pottery for children and adults

                                 

and offer in addition:
a canteen
a café
a cinema
a room for rehearsals
and a kindergarten.

We also rent a seminar room and a room for gymnastic.
 

The cinema provides space for festivities, concerts and cultural events, parties and bazaars throughout the year.

               

       
`Regenbogenfabrik’ was formed more than 25 years ago, when a group of about 50 young people were looking for alternative living space and fighting against property speculators and poor government housing policy. They squatted in the abandoned factory and adjacent block of flats.
 

Since then, trusting in themselves but lacking public support, these ‘rainbow people’ have managed to create a small haven amid the busy life of the city.
The previously ramshackle premises have been refurbished and modernised, and are now treasured. The yard is now green and has been turned into a children’s playground. The idea behind ‘Regenbogenfabrik’ – of living together, working together and developing local social projects together with our colourful neighbours – is growing all the time.

We try to be independent in our work and govern ourselves without hierarchical structures. We also value living and working together, rather than trying to make a profit as most businesses do. For these reasons, some visitors may see our little community as resembling a
‘Gaulish village’.

              
Our projects are based on the concept of ‘helping you to help yourself’ and fostering communication at the local level. We work towards the development of international contacts, education and vocational training, integration of the disabled into society and employment of the disadvantaged.

We offer cultural and vocational training, supported by the European Social Fund.
 

As part of the European development partnership ‘Generations’, we are successfully testing working and training modules based on tourism in Kreuzberg.
 

  We run the computer and Internet project ‘Global/Local’ in conjunction with the nearby youth centre ‘Chip’. This project provides classes in the use of personal computers, and access to individual tuition and advice on the Internet.
 

Using our own construction workers, we are restoring and developing our collection of historic buildings.

Whether our projects are big or small, we always maintain the highest standards and do our best to ensure that the very diverse participants are all equally involved in it.

The most important thing for us is that people at Regenbogenfabrik - while living or working together - include the young and the old, people with or without handicaps, people from a variety of backgrounds, long-time residents, children who have grown up with us and are now participating in our projects, newcomers who are curious about what we do, and last but not least everyone who brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

Our organisation is not for private profit. It always needs donations and support of all kinds.

Regenbogenfabrik-Spendenkonto
Berliner Sparkasse
Kto.-Nr.: 67 00 13 765
BLZ: 100 500 00

Active interest and participation in our projects are always welcome! 

Kontakt
Büro "Regenbogenfabrik"
Lausitzer Str. 23, 1. Hinterhaus, 10999 Berlin
Telefon: 0049 +30 695 795 - 0
Fax: 0049 +30 618 37 87