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O Kunstverein, where art thou?

O Kunstverein, where art thou?

Kunstvereine: flexibel und offen?

Kunstvereine are associations dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art and educating the public about it. They are usually organized as registered non-profit societies. Germany has around 270 Kunstvereine with a total of 120,000 members. The rising bourgeoisie and artists themselves founded the first of these clubs between 1800 and 1840.

How do Kunstvereine today position themselves between museums, public galleries, and project spaces that similarly present young contemporary positions? Are they no more than service providers to their members? Do they really still face up to socially relevant questions and issues?

This book presents a synopsis of the wide-ranging debate over the Kunstverein as an institutional form. It brings together writings that propose new models for a centuries-old institution. Cultural creatives working in a broad spectrum of professions were asked to contribute their visions, perspectives, and ideas. A glossary that defines key terms with relation to the institution Kunstverein rounds out the volume.

With essays by Beate Anspach, Armin Chodzinski, Max Hollein, Swantje Karich, Tom Kummer, Beatrix Ruf, Tom Stromberg, Florian Waldvogel, and Matthias Weber.