How did the foundation of MGKSiegen come about?
The MGKSiegen was opened in 2001. The building consists of the former telegraph office and a new building designed by the well-known architect Josef P. Kleihues. There had been plans for a new museum in Siegen since the 1980s.
Who was involved?
The initiators were Winfried Schwarz (former district governer) and Prof. Dr. Gundolf Winter (former chair of art history at the University of Siegen), as well as the artist couple Bernd and Hilla Becher and Prof. Dr. Klaus Bußmann (former director of the LWL Museum Münster). And, above all, our founder and patron Barbara Lambrecht-Schadeberg.
What is the structure of MGKSiegen?
The MGKSiegen has the legal form of a non-profit, limited liability company. As shareholders, the following are represented on the supervisory board: the Peter Paul Rubens-Foundation, the City of Siegen, and the University of Siegen. Further shareholders are: Siegen-Wittgenstein District and Siegen Art Society.
What is the mission of the Peter Paul Rubens-Foundation?
The task of the Peter Paul Rubens-Foundation is securing the museum's ongoing operation with its endowment income. It was established by Barbara Lambrecht-Schadeberg and endowed with foundation capital. The originally exclusively private foundation capital was increased in 2015 by contributions from public bodies (the state, LWL, the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein, and the City of Siegen as well as the Sparkasse Siegen).
What is the annual budget of MGKSiegen?
On the one hand, 75% of the budget consists of the income from the Peter-Paul-Rubens Foundation and 25% from other income, such as sponsorship or entrance fees. For the temporary exhibitions, funds are raised from various private and public foundations, institutions and companies (e.g. Bundeskulturstiftung, the state of NRW, European Union, etc.)
The Rubens Prize is awarded by the City of Siegen. How is the prizewinner selected?
The winners of the Rubens Prize and the Rubens Promotional Award are chosen by a jury appointed by the city. The jury comprises international art experts: a museum director, an art critic, an artist, a university professor and another member of the jury. The jury members submit their proposals and, after a thorough discussion, decide on the prizewinners. Representatives of the working group "Rubens Prize" of the City of Siegen attend the procedure. The winners receive a solo exhibition in the museum and a publication. As from 2022, the prize will be worth 25,000 €.
Who are the Rubens Prize winners? Do they always have to be painters?
Since 1958 the Rubens Prize has been awarded exclusively to important painters and graphic artists living in Europe, for their life's work. So far there have been thirteen Rubens Prize winners: Niele Toroni (2017), Bridget Riley (2012), Sigmar Polke (2007), Maria Lassnig (2002), Lucian Freud (1997), Rupprecht Geiger (1992), Cy Twombly (1987), Emil Schumacher (1982), Fritz Winter (1977), Antoni Tàpies (1972), Francis Bacon (1967), Giorgio Morandi (1962) und Hans Hartung (1957).
What is the Promotional Award of the Rubens Prize?
The promotional award of the Rubens Prize was endowed by the City of Siegen in 1980 and is presented every five years, in each case with a time delay following the presentation of the Rubens Prize. The award is accompanied by prize money of 5,000 €, an exhibition at MGKSiegen and a publication. The previous winners of the promotional award have been: Lena Henke (2019), Vaijko Chachkhiani (2014), Diango Hernández (2009), Peter Piller (2004), Silke Rehberg (1999), Karin Sander (1994), Julia Lohmann (1989) and Max Neumann (1984).
What is the concept pursued by the Lambrecht-Schadeberg Collection?
The collection contains exclusively works by the Rubens Prize winners. At present, there are about 300 works of art by eleven male and two female artists.
The collection belongs to Mrs. Lambrecht-Schadeberg and is only exhibited in the museum. Is that right?
Barbara Lambrecht-Schadeberg wishes to strengthen culture and especially art in the region, and therefore concentrates on the Rubens Prize winners with this collection. It is on permanent loan to the museum.
How does the collection grow?
The collection grows continuously through purchases made directly from artists and collectors or in galleries and at auctions. The aim is for each artist to be represented with works from all his or her creative periods. A committee decides on acquisitions in close consultation with the collector. The collection is supervised by curator Prof. Dr. Christian Spies.
What is the Circle of Friends?
The contributions made by the Circle of Friends support the museum's exhibitions, new acquisitions of works of art, and museum education such as the children's studio, Sunday tours or work with school classes.
How do I become a member of the Circle of Friends and what are the benefits?
In the museum you will meet many like-minded people interested in culture and undertake unique journeys. You can visit the museum at any time without paying entry! The museum's exhibition catalogues are also available at special rates. Further information and the membership application form can be found here.
Who are the MäZEHNe?
The MäZEHNe are a special group within the Circle of Friends. These are ten art lovers who come together for five years to save up a sum of money to purchase a work of art by the next Rubens Promotional Award winner. Once a year, they go on an excursion together with our museum director.
Who are the JungeKunstFreundeSiegen?
They are 18-35 years old and meet regularly in and around the museum. Far from any devout contemplation of art, the JungenKunstFreunde aim to develop versatile and above all self-determined approaches to art. Their programme is available on Instagram, Facebook and as a newsletter.
As a student, what advantages do I have in the museum?
Students have free admission to the museum and all exhibitions at any time upon presentation of their student ID.
Can I also do an internship?
Yes, you can get to know the museum and its work processes during an internship. You will learn whatever is necessary to prepare an exhibition, assist with press work and communication/outreach. Depending on your inclinations, you can also gain insights into curatorial practice. Write a short application and send it with your CV by e-mail to info@mgksiegen.de.
Is there any possibility of freelance work in the museum?
Art enthusiats or artists can apply for freelance work. We are always looking for committed people to conduct guided tours, workshops or projects for children, school classes, and adults. You should already have good knowledge of art history as well as art pedagogical methods and as a student be in the 4th semester at least.
How can I get regular information about what's going on in the museum?
It's easy: Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribe to our newsletter. Once or twice a month you will receive full information about our exhibitions and events. Or become a member of our Circle of Friends.