100 Years of the Kestner Gesellschaft: benefit auction

The Kestner Gesellschaft is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a benefit auction. Many of the artists who donated a work for the anniversary have previously exhibited at the Kestner Gesellschaft. These renowned artists signify the institution’s prominence and reach, which extend far beyond Germany. On offer at the benefit auction are works by Cecily Brown, Jonas Burgert, Anton Corbijn, Marlene Dumas, Rachel Harrison, Candida Höfer, Andy Hope 1930, Kitty Kraus, Alicja Kwade, Dieter Roth, Thomas Ruff, Michael Sailstorfer, Wolfgang Tillmans, Gert & Uwe Tobias, Charline von Heyl, Franz Erhard Walther and Christopher Williams.

Today the Kestner Gesellschaft can proudly look back on a great history in art, which has been characterized throughout by an unusual degree of involvement by private citizens. Furthermore, the Kestner Gesellschaft is one of the few cultural institutions in Germany that refused to submit to the politics of the National Socialists.

The aim of the benefit auction is to make an important contribution to financing the artistic program at the Kestner Gesellschaft in the coming years. This is necessary because, despite the partial financing from the state of Lower Saxony and the enthusiastic support of numerous individuals and companies, there is a structural funding gap that can at least be reduced for some time with the proceeds from the auction.

The benefit auction will be hosted pro bono by Christie’s Deutschland. The auctioneer will be Christiane Gräfin von Rantzau, Chairman of Christie’s Deutschland. The works will be on display from August 25 to September 2, 2016 at the Kestner Gesellschaft. We will be happy to receive your bids at kirch [​at​] kestnergesellschaft.de.

We would like to very warmly thank the artists for their generous contributions. Thanks also to Christiane Gräfin von Rantzau and the staff at Christie’s for their pro bono work. By purchasing an artwork, you can gain a new source of inspiration and contemplation while also helping the Kestner Gesellschaft as it embarks on its second century!