Lommatzsch celebrates art: new sculptures on the market square revealed!

Lommatzsch celebrates art: new sculptures on the market square revealed!

In Lommatzsch, the installation of two impressive sculptures recently took place, which enrich the cityscape sustainably. The works with the titles "Sitting" and "Lying" come from the artist Gertraud Wendlandt, who died in 2023 and were set up on the marketplace. The concrete sculptures rest on a base made of Saxon sandstone, which underlines the local connection. François Maher Presley, a respected art critic and curator, was responsible for the organization of this exhibition and pursues the goal of making works of art in rural rooms to strengthen their cultural diversity.

The unveiling of the sculptures attracted more than 200 visitors and was accompanied by Michael Kretschmer, the Prime Minister of Saxony, who took over the patronage for the project. Kretschmer paid tribute to Wendland's artistic heritage and the importance of these initiatives for the rural regions. Mayor Anita Maaß, who is passionate about the art initiative, emphasized the importance of maintaining the Kunstensenemble and his contribution to the cultural development of Lommatzsch.

background to the artist

Gertraud Wendlandt was born in Alttreptow in 1951 and studied from 1971 to 1976 at the art college in Berlin-Weißensee. Her work, which are represented in numerous museums and collections in both Germany and abroad, include survival -sized sculptures, drawings and reliefs in public space. Her art can also be assigned to numerous fountains and portraits in eastern Germany that can be found in many private collections and museums. The gift of the two sculptures as part of the initiative was intensively discussed in the city council meeting before it was approved.

Another highlight is the exhibition "Against Forgetting", which presents drawings and photographs from work and concentration camps. This creates an important historical context that is intended to promote cultural education in the region. In addition, further exhibitions are planned in the Budenhaus, which should show the gifts and loans from the François Maher Presley Foundation.

cultural promotion in rural regions

The initiative in Lommatzsch fits into an overarching trend that aims to strengthen culture in rural areas. Since 2023 the program has been "All. Land - together. Strengthening structures", which aims to promote culture, participation and democracy in structurally weak rural regions in Germany. 97 regions took part in the first phase of the program, with each region receiving 40,000 euros for the development phase.

In the cultural landscape, such projects fulfill an essential role by supporting local actors and helping to develop sustainable concepts for artistic projects. The Federal Government also promotes numerous programs to strengthen cultural infrastructure in rural areas and supports projects such as the "WEG and HINS" in the Bastian house, which brings students closer to potential cultural treasures.

With the installation of the new sculptures and the ongoing cultural activities, Lommatzsch shows how art can enrich life in rural areas and what positive effect the cooperation with the François Maher Presley Foundation can develop.