PLATFORM3 - Räume für zeitgenössische Kunst - 2009

trainees shaped the program and character
in an important way: Mirela Ljevakovic, Achim
Sauter, Jan Wilms, Yanna Varbanova, Anna
Schneider and Linn Quante. Paramount is the
interplay between strong characters.
The first trainees were chosen because of
their individual ideas and beliefs, their specific
abilities that are important to the cultural job
market, their openness to delve deep into
an experiment with full enthusiasm, and realise
a first project with colleagues.
“In my opinion the cultural landscape of
Munich needs a space for cultural discussion,
experiment and discourse. A space where
ideas about culture and society will be put
across in a lively, controversial and entertaining
way instead of stale lectures. A place where
interdisciplinary thinking and working is the
norm. The Department of Labour and Economic
Development of the City of Munich has
therefore taken over a host’s role for this
kind of discourse.”
The Department of Arts and Culture of
the City of Munich has taken on an important
role with the establishment of a guest studio
at Platform3. The invitation of international
curators and creatives aims for the creation of
new networks, exchange and also a connection
between the Munich scene and the international
artistic landscape.
“Nowadays cultural production can no
longer restrict itself to a regional context if it
wants to be successful and sustainable. At
the top of the list with regards to the artistic
promotion of contemporary art in Munich is
the initiation of international exchange, here
it takes the shape of a guest studio. (…) Exchange
with international, non-European countries
should be promoted. From the beginning
this is the intention. Of course in-depth connection
with institutes in the EU is also soughtafter
in order to initiate exhibition series
and talks through this exchange program for
studios.”
At this point important goals have been
set for the future. In cooperation with many
individuals, the model, Platform3, has turned
into reality and can begin to shine beyond
Munich.
1 The quotations of this text come from a first introduction to
Platform3 by Elisabeth Hartung in December 2008 and from the
official opening in March 2009.
2 The jury consisted of Diana Ebster (Department of Arts and
Culture, Munich), Cornelia Gockel (Freelance journalist and lecturer
at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich), Matthias Mühling (Curator
of contemporary art at the “Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus”,
Munich), Karsten Schmitz (Foundation “Federkiel”) and Elisabeth
Hartung (Concept and content advisor, project management 2009,
Platform3).
Translated from German into English by Anton Poggio.