AG artists’ estates

The AG Künstler*innennachlässe supports efforts to preserve artists’ works beyond their lifetime. Securing art has two aspects. On the one hand, there is the artist’s personal interest in their work outliving their own lifetime. On the other hand, it is a social concern to preserve the results of the artistic work of the respective period as an important part of cultural life.

Two forms of preserving works of art have emerged – digitization in a work database and archival storage of important works by the respective artists. The BBK Saxony-Anhalt has pushed ahead with a pilot project to set up a database of works in the state and has begun digitizing core holdings. Once this project has been completed, interested artists will be instructed to enter their catalogs raisonnés into the work database themselves. The other issue, the preservation and management of legacy works, is the more difficult part and will take longer to realize. The prerequisite is a suitable building and the necessary financial resources for conversion, furnishings and staff to establish a connection between the bequeathed works and the public and to enable art historical work. The state government is familiar with the problem and has signaled its support. Efforts must be stepped up here.

For older artists, securing their estate is particularly urgent. Heirs are often unable to solve the problem of accommodation. It is therefore advisable to look for an advance payment option and make contact with suitable partners in good time. You are also well advised to define a core inventory for your own estate, which can then be taken over.

AG coordination and dates

Responsible for the AG coordination: Valeria Sivtsova
E-mail:

Next meeting of the AG will follow…