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Idea and History
Inaugurated in 1971 as studio apartments by the non-profit Atelierhaus Verein headed by graphic designer Martin Kausche, the Künstlerhäuser (Artists Residences) Worpswede were the first of their kind in the Federal Republic of Germany. They were built to designs by Walter Müller of Worpswede, and were conceived as living and working spaces for international contemporary artists in the fields of visual art, music and literature.
Kausche’s basic idea was to provide artists with an opportunity to work undisturbed in tranquil surroundings for a certain period of time. Worpswede, with its history as an artists colony, has an infrastructure perfectly suited to this end. The large proportion of artists among the inhabitants enables our guests to make contacts, yet also guarantees a certain anonymity and an open-mindedness to highly diverse approaches. Apart from the advantageous local context, two factors crucially contributed to the success of the grants: first, a juried selection of stipend-holders that ensured high quality, and second, the program’s open, international orientation.
The artists studios are supplemented by a professionally equipped printmaking workshop, available on request. A bronze casting enterprise is also located in the village
On Martin Kausche, see Wikipedia
The Village of Worpswede
Worpswede is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Bremen, in the midst of Devil’s Moor. The village became known primarily for the artists who settled here at the end of the nineteenth century: Heinrich Vogeler, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Clara Rilke-Westhoff established Worpswede’s still-vital tradition as an artists colony, known affectionately as a “world village.” The delightful landscape, the historical sites of the first generation of artists, and numerous galleries annually attract droves of visitors.
Worpswede is a member of the EuroArt Network, an association of European artists colonies.
Supporters
The Community of Worpswede and the County of Osterholz provide institutional support, and the State of Lower Saxony funds residence stipends for annually selected Lower Saxon grantees. The Albert Reiners Foundation and further sponsors support the Künstlerhäuser’s activities.
This grants program considerably enhanced Worpswede’s image. It underscored the fact that the village is by no means merely an open-air museum but a place that, due to its history, has an interest in art and culture far exceeding the average. Although contemporary art may not have been continually visible, it did play a role in defining Worpswede’s self-image. Long-term stipends encouraged an intensive artistic discussion which, in retrospect, appears to be a key trait of the Worpswede grants program.
From 1996 to 2009, the Artists Residences were run in tandem with the Barkenhoff Foundation studios. During that period, over 400 international artists were guests in our studios and, until the end of 2009, received grants from the State of Lower Saxony. The grantees included many renowned artists, such as Lili Fischer, Yuri Leiderman, Dan Perjovschi, Katharina Sieverding, Kurt Draewert, Egill Saebjoernsson, Terry Fox, and Nairy Baghramian.
Active as artistic directors during this period were Dr. Annette Hulek, Anne Frechen, and Bernd Milla.
The year 2009 saw the decision to convert the Barkenhoff studios into museum spaces. Despite a great wave of protest from many quarters, all that remained were the five Martin Kausche Studios on Vor den Pferdeweiden road. The State of Lower Saxony terminated its stipend funding in Worpswede. Since 2010, only living grants are provided for the Martin Kausche Studios, under the auspices of Künstlerhäuser Worpswede e.V. This association redefined its aims, supplementing support for artists by workshops and collaboration with colleges and universities.
( Flagstallation Rupprecht Matthies, 2007 )
In the context of its communicative conception, the association offers a schedule of workshops and events with the participation of internationally known artists and former grantees. The schedule is designed to maintain a high level of quality.
The program is aimed primarily at artists just embarking on their career as well as more experienced ones. Participants are acquainted with contemporary art production practices in small groups. The schedule is supplemented both by more theoretical courses and events such as readings, concerts, lectures, and dialogues with artists. The program is scheduled to begin in summer 2010.
The five studios have an area of 50 – 110 sq.m. (540 – 1200 sq.ft.), are functionally furnished, and have a spacious yard with a view of the natural surroundings to the far horizon. One studio, principally for musicians and writers, lies in the center of the village.