The work Sketch for a Fountain has attracted and fascinated many citizens of the city of Münster during the Skulptur Projekt 2017.
The work Sketch for a Fountain of the New York artist Nicole Eisenman has attracted and fascinated many citizens of the city of Münster during the Sculpture Project 2017. So did we - Maria Galen, Manfred Petermann, Uta Ramme,
Sandra Silbernagel and Soetkin Stiegemeier-Oehlen. Over several months, we experienced the artwork and were fascinated by how the material and thus the effect of the artwork changed.
The work was one of the most visited works during the three-month sculpture projects, as well as a meeting place and popular meeting place for visitors. Children played here, birthdays were celebrated or marriage proposals were made. But it was also, as the only work of art in the exhibition, repeatedly the target of destruction and criticism. Most recently, it was smeared with swastikas and other homophobic signs on the eve of the federal election.
This was the trigger for the start of our initiative „Dein Brunnen für Münster“. The work was to be purchased with broad civic participation and permanently preserved for the citizens of Münster.
This was the trigger for the start of our initiative „Dein Brunnen für Münster“. The work was to be purchased with broad civic participation and permanently preserved for the citizens of Münster. As a sign for peace and tolerance, for an open and colorful society.
From then on, everything happened very quickly ... We quickly got into conversation with Kasper König and the curators of the Skulptur Projekte and had a direct exchange with the artist, who was enthusiastic about the idea and has accompanied us closely ever since. Making the initiative known triggered an incredible sense of community in Münster society, and so many supporters were found within a very short time. In the meantime, a circle of friends has developed that accompanies our work to this day and continues to grow.
Brunnenfest on June 24, 2018, here the walk act „2 Engel“
Our intention has mobilized the citizens of Münster in a unique way to stand up for diversity, tolerance and a peaceful coexistence of people of all origins, gender and sexual orientation. In the truest sense of the word „on the street“, the members of the association entered into dialogue with the citizenry and promoted their project. At neighborhood and street festivals, at art exhibitions, the „Langen Nacht der Museen“, a self-organized „Bergfest“ and several unconventional actions. Additional donations were collected in a large lottery. Many Münster companies spontaneously got on board and sold products for the benefit of the association or sponsored advertising material. With fountain beer, fountain rolls, fountain pesto, „fountain dishes“ in restaurants, a film screening and much more, donations were generated. These activities characterized 2018 and brought in about half of the donations needed.
The „Brunnenbier“ from Pinkus Müller
Collected coins from the Lambertibrunnen within the framework of the city festival Münster 2018
The artist accompanied the initiative very closely from the beginning. She supported the fundraising, for example, with a specially made „logo“ showing the head of one of the figures of the fountain ensemble, and with the design of a T-shirt. In 2019, she gave the association an edition of an etching, „The Münsterians“ in an edition of 70/100, which was sold out within a few days.
Nicole Eisenman, „The Münsterians“, Etching, 28 x 33 cm
Touched by this extraordinary civic commitment, the artist and gallery generously accommodated the initiative in the summer of 2018 and waived fees. This halved the purchase price of the artwork from 1.2 million to 600,000 €. This decision once again provided a decisive motivational boost for the citizenry and further filled the donation pot. Parallel to this and well into 2019, the elaborate applications to funding institutions, foundations, the city of Münster and the state of NRW were on the agenda in the background. These covered approximately the second half of the required amount. The council resolution on June 24, 2020, then decisively confirmed the return of the artwork to its old location on the Kreuzschanze.
Nicole Eisenman, in a phone call after the Council decision, was deeply moved and overwhelmed by the final success of the initiative.
„It is so incredible! Even though I never really doubted ... The fact that it is now a reality, that I will go to Germany with my children and visit „Sketch for a Fountain“ is simply overwhelming. Thank you to the wonderful citizens of Münster!“
(Nicole Eisenman)
From August to September 2021, the fountain at the Kreuzschanze was built with the great support of many Münster companies under the direction of the architectural firm Maas & Partner and the Kusser Granitwerke. In parallel, the Kayser art foundry created the three new, white patinated aluminum figures. The artwork „Sketch for a Fountain“ has been transformed into a permanent work - as close as possible in content to the design of 2017. It has been created a unique piece for Münster, which in terms of material differs from the original way of making, but in terms of content links to Eisenman's original idea and continues it. Only in Münster, at the original place of installation, there are the manifold local references of the sculpture. (There are two other fountains by Nicole Eisenman in Boston, USA and in the Nasher Museum, Dallas, USA. However, these are entirely bronze works and differ in appearance).
On October 2, 2021, the work of art was ceremoniously opened together with the citizens of the city of Münster. Within a very short time it has taken a permanent place in the hearts of the city's society. It is a peaceful meeting place for people of all ages and backgrounds and makes an important contribution to dialogue and reconciliation in a time of ever increasing polarization.
THANKS TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACCOMPANIED US THIS FAR!
Joy about XXL banner at Moltkestrasse
Steffi Stephan promotes the Brunnen für Münster
Future
In the future, „Sketch for a Fountain“ should remain a lively place, because the artwork offers endless possibilities to enter into dialogue with society.
That's why meetings are held at "irregular intervals" at the fountain. As a rule, we invite all interested citizens for a drink and a chat at the fountain every third Thursday from 7 pm. The dates will be announced . Would you also like to receive the invitation?
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We are also working on various collaborations. In close contact with the LWL Museum, the fountain and all its themes will be included in the art education program for schoolchildren. We are planning readings and other cultural formats at the fountain in cooperation with the LWL, the Droste Foundation and the Center for Literature. We are in contact with the City of Münster's peace office in order to be added to the city's list of "Places of Peace".
Do you also have ideas? We look forward to your MESSAGE.
