Zentrum Paul Klee and Kunstmuseum Bern: close cooperation - one vision
Press Release KMB / ZPK
The Zentrum Paul Klee and the Kunstmuseum Bern have developed a common vision. Joining forces they are taking the necessary steps to combine the potential and tap into the two institutions' synergies. They are now ready to take another leap in their cooperation which will strengthen the position of the canton of Bernas an important art location. The new approach was initiated by the directors of the two institutions, Andreas Marti and Matthias Frehner.
In the course of a special two-day work meeting,
the members of the directorates of the Kunstmuseum Bern and Zentrum Paul Klee developed a vision of the future of the two institutions until
2012. Specific guidelines for and policies on close and committed
cooperation are to take effect immediately for the vision to be achieved soonest. The vision forms part of new efforts by the Konferenz Kunstraum Bern to strengthen the cultural policy and consistent presence of the canton of Bern, particularly with regard to the fine arts.
The two institutions will coordinate their programmes and listings in terms of time and content; large interdisciplinary
events will be held at both venues. Such events will be conceived and
realised jointly, always taking into account the respective
institution's basic concept and strengths. The best possible use is to
be made of their respective collection foci, events and listings, space
and infrastructures. In order to facilitate joint events, the
Kunstmuseum Bern and Zentrum Paul Klee will harmonise their exhibition
rhythms.
The first – small – joint exhibition to involve both venues will be held quite soon, from February 15, to May 13, 2007: Oscar Wiggli, Körper – Raum – Klang (Oscar Wiggli, Body – Space – Sound). Other projects will focus on
Adolf Wölfli, the Bauhaus (in the anniversary year), painter-poet and
painter-musician dual talents (Klee as well as Otto Nebel and Hermann
Hesse, for example). Klee global, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary
event, will explore the worldwide reception of Klee and his work.
The Zentrum Paul Klee will continue to strengthen its image as an interdisciplinary institution combining the genres of
drama, music and the fine arts, focusing on Paul Klee without, however,
claiming exclusive rights on the artist. The Kunstmuseum Bern will
develop its own profile based on its collections from the Middle Ages to the present, expanding its focus on contemporary art.
Synergies are to be used in the fields of communication and art education, with joint activities. The two establishments will harmonise their means of communication, adding «windows» on each other and advertising each other's events. They will pool their PR and publicity efforts. New communication platforms will be created. As early as end 2006, a new calendar of events will be published jointly by the Zentrum Paul Klee and the Kunstmuseum Bern. It is hoped that other arts institutions located in the canton of Bern (Centre Pasqu'Art Biel, Kunsthalle Bern, Kunsthaus Langenthal, Kunstmuseum Thun, Museum Franz Gertsch Burgdorf and Stadtgalerie Bern) will join in.
