Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen, Düsseldorf

Founded in 1829, the Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen in Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s oldest Kunstvereins. As an independent institution aimed at supporting the production, presentation, and mediation of contemporary art, it regularly showcases current international positions and commissions artists to develop new and site-specific works. Throughout its history, the Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen has presented milestone exhibitions like “Dada. Dokumente einer Bewegung” (Dada: Document of a Movement, 1958), “Licht und Bewegung – Kinetische Kunst” (Light and Movement: Kinetic Art, 1966), and “Science Fiction” (1968), the latter two of which were curated by Harald Szeemann. Artist such as Eva Hesse, Tetsumi Kudo, Gerhard Richter, Joseph Cornell, Ferdinand Kriwet, Marie Laurencin, and Max Ernst all had significant exhibitions at the Kunstverein early in their careers. The Kunstverein in Düsseldorf continues this tradition, presenting new artistic positions that have previously received little institutional attention within Germany and supporting innovative and independent curatorial approaches. The exhibitions are regularly accompanied by artist’s talks, screenings, performances, readings, and lectures.

An extensive membership program and members’ trips offer Kunstverein members a lively forum for sharing ideas and discussing contemporary art. For more than 20 years, the Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen has also been supporting emerging artists from the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf with studio and travel grants.