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The Frankfurter Kunstverein is a major national and international institution for contemporary art in Germany.

Dialogue with the Present

The Frankfurter Kunstverein is an art centre. Its main goal is to present the viewer with coherently researched exhibitions that are embedded in the present. Our work is mainly based in the development and production of new art works and projects. Hence our aim is to encourage a critical discussion around 鈥渃ontemporary art production鈥� and we stress the importance of regularly organizing artist talks, debates and lectures in order to create an access point to art and its reasons. The current series of artist talks 鈥榃hen Kitten be-come Cats鈥� is only one example for this way of mediation. The Frankfurter Kunstverein has an eminent social dimension: we want to promote curiosity towards the future and to place a new confidence in contemporary art production.

From our 鈥楥af茅 im Kunstverein鈥�, designed by the artists Gorka Eizagirre, Xavi Salaberria and Jakob Kolding, the 鈥�10 Reasons to Be a Member鈥� space on the ground floor of the Kunstverein, which gives the public a possibility to get a peek into the history and the structure of the house, to the new 鈥楧eutsche Borse Residency Program鈥�, hosting up to two artists or curators in-house, our whole program of activities involves artists at every level. Our commitment is to eluci-date the importance of the role of artists in our society: as producers, thinkers, mediators and the ones who still dare to experiment. Guided tours, lectures, film programmes, symposia, conferences and member trips are some of the means by which Frankfurter Kunstverein helps members and visitors to come to grips with this exciting new terrain and to open up critical dialogue with current exhibitions and contemporary art.

Art as a Cultural Activity

Contemporary art has always had a home at the Frankfurter Kunstverein. Founded in numerous German cities in the early nineteenth century, the aim of the Municipal Art Associations (Kunstvereine) was to support and disseminate new and modern art. One of the newly founded Frankfurter Kunstverein's chief functions in 1829 was to work with the Stadelsches Kunstinstitut in Frankfurt am Main in acquiring works for its collection.

The emphasis shifted gradually to independent exhibitions and to the presentation of less-known artists and artistic directions that later came to play a seminal role in the development of art. In the early 20th century the Frankfurter Kunstverein exhibited for example works by Max Beckmann, when he was still unknown. After World War II Frankfurter Kunstverein made its mark with internationally oriented solo exhibitions and themed group exhibitions aimed at highlighting new and exciting developments. This work has continued right up to the present day. Experimentation is important, as well as keeping an eye open for the new and the seminal.

New and Old in the City Centre

The Steinernes Haus, which houses Frankfurter Kunstverein's over 1,000 m2 gallery space, stands in the heart of the old city between the Romer (City Hall) and the Schirn Kunsthalle. It is one of the city's few remaining historic buildings. Strategic modification of its architecture has enabled Frankfurter Kunst-verein to fit in ideally with its surroundings. Frankfurter Kunst-verein is maintained by it's over 1,700 members from the Rhine-Main area, other parts of Germany, and abroad. The city of Frank-furt am Main generously provides the premises and limited fun-ding. Project-related funding is also received from individuals, foundations, and companies.