"Cultural Policy Demands Courage to Break New Ground"
Gütersloh's 2023 Cultural Forum unites artists and leaders for creative dialogue
Inspiration, exchange, and fresh perspectives: On Tuesday, February 10, the Cultural Forum of Gütersloh's Department of Culture convened at Holzpixel print workshop. This established discussion and networking event brought together artists, culture enthusiasts, and local stakeholders to explore current issues in Gütersloh's cultural sector, showcase projects, and forge new connections. "We're delighted that this format has taken root in Gütersloh, highlighting cultural spaces each year and bringing people together," said Lena Jeckel, head of the Department of Culture. "Once again, the event sold out within days."
Following last year's Cultural Forum at the Kulturmesse trade fair in the town hall, this year's edition deliberately chose a new venue. The host was Holzpixel print workshop, founded by Manfred Makowski—a Gütersloh-based interdisciplinary designer. Located in the Blessenstätte district, Makowski established an analog workshop for experimental letterpress printing and launched Holzpixel as a label for interdisciplinary design. Beyond introductory letterpress workshops for students, educators, and interested groups, he also offers team-building programs for local businesses.
This year's keynote speaker was sculptor and spatial artist Michael Kortländer, born in 1953 in Münster, who lives and works in Düsseldorf and Palermo. Since the late 1970s, he has developed a distinctive body of work exploring space, material, and perception. Central to his practice are his "Raumbilder" (spatial images)—cardboard constructions that blur the lines between sculpture, installation, and painting. Alongside his artistic work, Kortländer has long been engaged in cultural policy, serving as chair of the Düsseldorf Artists' Mutual Aid Association and the Association for Organizing Art Exhibitions. As a co-founder and chair of Düsseldorf Palermo e.V., he advocates for international cultural exchange. In this role, he also supports DIE GROSSE – NRW Düsseldorf Art Exhibition, an artist-run showcase embodying self-empowerment, solidarity, and initiative—values that resonated throughout the Cultural Forum's discussions.
Gütersloh's Cultural Affairs Commissioner Andreas Kimpel used the forum to reflect on the city's cultural achievements in recent years and the urgent policy work ahead. "Cultural policy is never straightforward. It demands courage, patience, and the ability to build bridges—between politics and the arts, between ambition and reality," Kimpel emphasized. "Investing in culture means investing in social cohesion, education, democracy, and the future of our city. This requires political backing, the trust of cultural practitioners, and the boldness to chart new paths."
The evening's musical accompaniment was provided by Ana, a Gütersloh-based artist whose live performance set a vibrant tone. Once again, the Cultural Forum demonstrated its strength: whether professionals, volunteers, or simply culture lovers, the event offers a platform for every voice and deepens dialogue within the community.
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