Suche
Mein Konto
Cologne-Kalk celebrates Kunsthaus: Germany's first inclusive art academy!
Köln-Kalk opens Germany's first inclusive art academy in the Kunsthaus Kalk. The test phase begins in September 2025.
Cologne-Kalk celebrates Kunsthaus: Germany's first inclusive art academy!
Big changes are coming to Cologne-Kalk. Germany's first inclusive art academy is being built here in the Kunsthaus Kalk, which is located within the former KHD administration building in the Hallen Kalk industrial complex. Review online reports that the art house covers an area of around 2000 square meters and will be built on four floors. The aim of the new academy is to bring together people with artistic talent and to support them regardless of their cognitive abilities.
The three-year test phase begins in September 2025, which will be accompanied by well-known personalities from the art scene. Jan Liesegang, professor of architecture, and Jutta Pöstges, artistic director at KAT18, play a central role in the technical management of the project. Artists such as Filip Mijo Livaja and Buket Isgören are also very interested in the concept, which is characterized by communal collaboration and creative energy.
A unique approach to inclusion
The inclusive art academy is particularly important: it not only wants to support people with disabilities, but also those without. This shows how important it is to create a common space for everyone. The initiators are convinced that people without disabilities can also benefit from the encounter and exchange. In the long term, the academy is intended to become an external class of the renowned Düsseldorf Art Academy, which will further strengthen the project's reputation.
Funding for this innovative approach comes from the Federal Cultural Foundation, which is supporting the project with 700,000 euros from 2025 to 2028. The city of Cologne has also jumped on the bandwagon and is actively expanding new studio space. NRW Culture Minister Ina Brandes has already assured her continued support, as the concept is a central component of the NRW Inclusion Action Plan.
Test operation and first steps
A total of four consecutive phases or “laboratories” are planned over the course of the test phase. The first lab will run from September 2025 to April 2026 and aims to raise awareness among both people with and without disabilities. From April 2026, a preliminary course in fine art will be offered to encourage those interested to apply to both the inclusive academy and other art schools.
The development of the academy not only extends to the depth of artistic education, but also to the breadth. A variety of workshops and summer art schools ensure that the academy comes to life and that all voices are heard. Collaboration is a key element in creating this innovative space for creativity.
Köln-Kalk impressively shows us how art and inclusion can go hand in hand. It remains exciting to see how the Kunsthaus Kalk will develop. Those responsible are optimistic that the academy will not only be a refuge for creative minds, but also an example for other inclusive projects in Germany.