WHAT IS IT?
As New Patrons, people give themselves a voice and give shape to their wishes. They commission works of art they need, works that make a difference. Works that respond to the issues that matter urgently to them. And works that belong in the places where they live.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Where people are dissatisfied, mediators listen. Where silence prevails, they bring conflicts to light. Where change is needed, they find international artists who engage directly with local communities. Where nothing seems possible anymore, art opens up new possibilities.
WHO MAKES IT HAPPEN?
The Gesellschaft der Neuen Auftraggeber and the Gesellschaft für Kunst und Mediation im Bürgerauftrag make citizen-commissioned art possible in Germany. They are part of a European network with 35 years of experience and more than 500 citizen commissions.
In the current program Citizen-Commissioned Dance and Performance, citizen-commissioned productions are being developed across Germany through the end of 2027. Each begins with an urgent shared concern. Accomplished artists, choreographers, and dancers respond with new works. Mediators, experts in citizen-commissioned art, guide the process from beginning to end.
OUR VISION
For a long time, only a few could commission a work of art. Today, we want everyone to have that opportunity. We want to mobilize the creativity of our society and bring together the skills needed to do so. Many people want more direct involvement in important decisions. They don't want to be mere spectators of history, they want to shape the future themselves. Now. As New Patrons, they can do this.
Especially on site, where the problems are located, they can be tackled. Because this can only be done collectively, conflicts arise, but also new alliances. Artistic ideas reveal perspectives and possibilities for action that were previously unthinkable.
Across Germany, in rural areas and in urban districts: where committed citizens work together with international artists and public institutions and administrations, an art of democracy is created that brings everyone forward - an art that enables action and is therefore up-to-date.
Jakub Szczęsny: "Wohnküchenpavillon"
Draft for the New Patrons of Züsedom © Jakub Szczęsny
Opening of "A garden with bridges"
Patrons Karl Sasserath and Thomas Hollkott with Uwe Hillekamp (planning), Ernst Kreuder (execution), mediator Kathrin Jentjens, artist Ruth Buchanan, and Susanne Titz, director of anchor point Museum Abteiberg © Gesellschaft der Neuen Auftraggeber
Daniel Knorr, "Ring of Engagement"
Daniel Knorr, "Ring of Engagement", draft for the New Patrons of Greifswald © Daniel Knorr