Old barn in Havelland: 1.5 million for a new cultural venue!

Old barn in Havelland: 1.5 million for a new cultural venue!

In a remarkable project, Volker Donath, architect and chairman of the Paretz Foundation, has brought the old barn in Paretz back to life. After being purchased in 2009 and reopened as an asbestos-free venue in 2011, the barn has now become a cultural beacon in Havelland. The renovation costs amounted to around 1.5 million euros, with part of the financing provided by the Leader program. The journey to transforming this historic building has been a long one, but the reward is the commitment that is now taking place there. Maz Online reported on the current developments and the functions of the barn.

The old barn can accommodate up to 400 people and has developed into an important event location that radiates far beyond the local boundaries. Dominique Hamm, the managing director of the Paretz Foundation, has established herself as a central figure in the program design. The Paretz Cultural Summer was launched three years ago and is now a permanent cultural offering in the region.

A diverse program of events

The Cultural Summer program has continually developed since its inception. While the first edition in 2023 only included eight events, the current offering has grown to a dozen. From chamber concerts to historical readings – there is something for every taste. The focus is on making the barn accessible to a wide audience, and not just as part of classic cultural events. Upcoming events include:

• 21. Juni: GrauSchumacher Piano Duo
• 29. Juni: Familienkonzert „Hameln, anno 1248“
• 6. Juli: Luisenmarkt – Historisches Markttreiben

The idea is that not only culture lovers get their money's worth, but that all guests have the opportunity to explore the historical surroundings and enjoy regional delicacies, for example from a clay oven. The Paretz Foundation's commitment aims to involve the citizens of Ketzin/Havel and Paretz in shaping their living environment. Projects supported by the foundation combine culture, education, monument preservation and social aspects with the aim of promoting a vibrant village community. Further information can be found on the Stiftung Paretz website.

Support from the federal government

Federal funding for culture and art plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening artistic and cultural projects in Germany. The Federal Cultural Administration has already supported numerous institutions and projects that aim to preserve cultural heritage and develop innovative approaches to art. The Paretz Foundation also benefits from this support, which helps to finance and implement important cultural projects.

In summary, the example of the old barn in Paretz shows how community commitment and funding not only saves historical buildings, but also sustainably enriches cultural life in the region. It is in the nature of such projects to offer people a space for creativity and community and thus promote social interaction.