The amount will vary from 5 thousand to 35 thousand euro for each participating gallery, and it will serve as a financial support to cover the costs of exhibitions, events, transportation, insurance, additional staff members and other expenses.
Related articles: How are British museums dealing with the crisis? - How to overcome the crisis? - Swiss art fairs in crisis
NEUSTART KULTUR is the recovery program launched by the German government to help art galleries, the most affected player of the art system.
16 million is the total amount of money that will be allocated to relaunch the gallery system, harassed by the forced closure, the cancellation of fairs, the drastic lack of international tourism and the general recession. To apply and access to the financial aid, galleries must be based in Germany, have been in existence for at least three years and have a regular exhibition program. Each of them can apply for between 5,000 and 35,000 euros. The amount may be used to cover the costs of exhibitions and artistic projects, scheduled between January and the end of May 2021. These include transport costs, insurance, communication, additional staff and online presentation. Applications may be submitted to the Art Fund Foundation until 31 October 2020. At the end of November, an independent jury will select the candidates meeting all requirements.
During this global crisis, Germany has repeatedly demonstrated that it considers the art system as a priority element of its cultural, social and also economic fabric.
"Gallerists do indispensable scouting work within the art scene. They discover talents, often taking care of them throughout their lives and securing their livelihoods through exhibitions, catalogues and presentations at trade fairs," explained Minister of Culture Monika Grütters. "I intend to support this effort and meet the art system affected by the crisis caused by the Coronavirus. The lockdown has hit galleries and 'their' artists hard with the cancellation of vernissages and art fairs; at this time it is crucial that they can resume their previously planned exhibition projects as quickly as possible and develop new digital formats to stay in touch with your audience even in difficult times".
Cover image: View from the 2019 edition of the now-defunct Art Berlin fair. © Clemens Porikys.
Wrtitten by Giulia Cami
Stay Tuned on Kooness magazine for more exciting news from the art world.