An international amalgamation of artists convene at this Federal Republic of Germany institute. Work in the fields of visual arts, architecture, music, literature, performing arts, film and media arts is represented by the various artists who contribute to the academy.

The academy is organized by a senate committee, led by directors elected for each of the various artistic mediums.

While the primary directive of the Academy is to archive cultural arts in and around Berlin—not traditional education—the Academy also hosts a number of exhibitions, workshops, concerts, lectures, readings, film, theater and dance performances.