- International Friends of documenta
Attend exhibition openings, follow debates, forge friendships - and actively promote art in the process: The International Friends of documenta offer art enthusiasts from all over the world exclusive insights into the documenta exhibition, the Fridericianum, and the documenta archiv, as well as an opportunity to actively promote art and culture. The non-profit organization brings together people committed to contemporary art and supports documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH, the documenta exhibition, the Fridericianum, and the documenta archiv, both conceptually and financially. The documenta forum is an institutional member of International Friends of documenta e. V.
International Friends of documenta enjoy free admission to the exhibitions at Fridericianum, benefit from discounted tickets to documenta, and receive invitations to the openings, talks with artists, performances, lectures, and other events and offers accorded by documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH and its institutions.
As Chairman of the Board, Joel Baumann, Professor of New Media at Kunsthochschule Kassel, emphasizes: “With the International Friends of documenta, a platform for international exchange, exciting encounters, and new impulses for art is being created. I look forward to seeing this network grow and welcoming many new friends.”
Managing Director of documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH, Andreas Hoffmann, focuses primarily on the social and societal aspects: “Respectful cooperation, challenging discussions, and the common goal of enabling art and freedom – these are the unifying elements of our work. Particularly in today’s harsh social climate, we strengthen community and commitment, especially for young people, and invite them to embark on an adventure in art. Art connects us, inspires dialogue, and creates spaces for encounters – which is precisely what we focus on at documenta.”
Sven Schoeller, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of documenta and Museum Fridericianum gGmbH and Lord Mayor of the City of Kassel, comments on the founding of the new platform: “documenta needs contemporary impulses and appreciative perspectives, fostered through direct engagement with dedicated individuals in Kassel and around the world. Personal life experience, expertise, or simply curiosity and a love of diversity are all very welcome among the International Friends of documenta. I look forward to contributing to the future of documenta through this network and to engaging with a wide range of artistic perspectives.”
Timon Gremmels, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of documenta and Museum Fridericianum gGmbH and Hessian State Minister for Science and Research, Art and Culture, emphasizes: “documenta needs people who are passionate, creative, and committed to its future. The newly founded international circle of friends now provides a platform for exactly this kind of connection – open to all who want to participate in the art and cultural discourse in Kassel.”
To join this circle of friends, interested parties can choose from various membership models and enjoy different benefits. All information on membership and registration can be found at:
The Board
Joel Baumann (Chairperson)
Andreas Hoffmann (Deputy Chairperson)
Manuel Wiedemann (Treasurer)
Daniel Opper (Secretary)
Stefan Kreher
Founding members
Ingo Buchholz, Julia Esterer, Carsten Rahier, Volker Schäfer (Representative documenta forum), Horst Schween (Representative documenta forum), Dieta Waitz von Eschen, Udo Wendland
Additional supporters
Manuel J. Hartung, Wilfried Sommer, Rosemarie Trockel