## A background report on protests, cultural politics and a new civil society
Mülheim an der Ruhr.- When the Ruhr area was in the international spotlight for the first time in 2010 under the title “RUHR.2010 – European Capital of Culture”, the local art scene in Mülheim experienced a paradoxical situation. While the region presented itself as culturally innovative, the city management was concurrently planning massive savings in the cultural sector – including the closure or spin-off of the municipal art museum in the Alte Post.
These plans sparked widespread protests, especially among Mülheim artists, who feared the loss of a central exhibition venue and an vital cultural institution. The discussions took place at a time when many municipalities in the Ruhr area were under enormous financial pressure and culture was frequently enough considered a “voluntary service”.
Founded as a response to the threat of cultural dismantling
Against this background, the idea of a new, autonomous, community-based organization arose in 2010 Art Association to establish a museum that would ensure permanent,non-communal exhibition opportunities. As one source describes, art enthusiasts “implemented the idea of founding the active art association and art support association KKRR during the RUHR.2010 Capital of Culture – with its own art house.”
the initiative saw itself as cultural self-empowerment: If the city could no longer reliably protect its art institutions, citizens should take obligation for doing so themselves.
The art year 2026 (Year of the Elephant)
As in previous years, the Mülheim art Association KKRR has chosen an annual theme. It says 2026 “Elephant in a china shop!?” with another exciting program, including a large group exhibition that begins on July 5, 2026.The “OPEN CALL” is currently ongoing; artists from the Rhine-ruhr metropolitan region are called upon to participate (painting, sculpture, installations, photography… Please send applications to Info@Kunststadt-MH.de or by post to Villa Artis, Ruhrstraße 3 / corner of Delle, 45468 Mülheim an der Ruhr – FON 0157 3629 5489).