The *WESTSTERN Art Award was initiated by entrepreneur Jan Fischer, together with the LEAP Art Foundation, out of a shared commitment to strengthening the future of Germany’s civic art associations. Their goal: to empower these essential cultural institutions with the recognition, resources, and visibility they deserve.
An emerging cultural catalyst
Kunstvereine—non-profit, member-driven art associations with a long tradition deeply rooted in German local communities—are key pillars of the country’s contemporary art scene. Operating independently, they provide vital platforms for experimentation, emerging talent, and public engagement. They nurture new voices, democratize access to art, and foster cultural participation across generations.
The *WESTSTERN Art Award honors their innovative and socially engaged work in North Rhine-Westphalia, amplifying their impact and supporting the future of the arts.
Winners of the inaugural *WESTSTERN Art Award announced
Endowed with 100,000 EUR, the award supports Kunstvereine by recognizing outstanding contributions in Annual Program, Exhibition, Social Engagement, and a Special Recognition category.
In their jury statement, the panel emphasized the role of these institutions in driving a “diverse, accessible, and future-oriented art landscape. The decision-making process was unanimous, with a strong focus on artistic and social impact."
Award recipients
Annual Program (40,000 EUR)—Kunstverein Bielefeld
For an ambitious series of interwoven exhibitions centered on the five senses, which address both embodiment and urgent socio-political issues such as racism and classism.
Exhibition (30,000 EUR)—Dortmunder Kunstverein
For Hannibal by Latefa Wiersch—a moving, intimate reflection on architecture, origin, and life in the large-scale housing project “Hannibal II,” emblematic of the failure of utopian urban planning.
Social engagement (20,000 EUR) —Temporary Gallery, Cologne
For a participatory and inclusive public program that uses imaginative formats to connect with diverse communities. A highlight was an open carnival costume workshop combining creative expression with critical reflection on fast fashion and stereotypes.
Special recognition (10,000 EUR)—Neuer Essener Kunstverein
For its curatorial strategy focused on monographic exhibitions and new artistic productions that sustainably amplify independent, emerging positions.
Jury for 2025/26
Maximiliane Baumgartner—artist; Dr. Stefanie Kreuzer—Curator / Director, Kunstmuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr; Prof. Dr. Georg Imdahl—Professor of Art in Public Space, Münster Art Academy; Georg Jacobi—Collector / Braunsfelder Family Collection, Cologne; Dr. Barbara Hess—Art Critic.
This award highlights the unique German Kunstverein model as independent, member-supported spaces essential for experimentation and public dialogue. It recognizes their evolving role as cultural laboratories that nurture artists and curators, encourage civic participation, and address societal challenges through art.
*WESTSTERN strengthens these institutions with financial support, visibility, and connections, fostering exchange among artists and audiences, in the belief that independent, community-rooted organizations are crucial to shaping the future of art.
Award ceremony
The award ceremony will take place on September 6, 2025, at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, K20, in Düsseldorf, as part of the Düsseldorf Cologne Open Galleries DC Open weekend. In attendance at the award ceremony, will be Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Open call 2026: The open call for *WESTSTERN Art Award 2026 will run from September 6 to October 12, 2025.
Press contact: Kathrin Luz, kl@luz-communication.de.
