Association for the Revival of the Synagogue Stommeln Art Project inf.

Art Project Synagogue Stommeln

The Synagogue Stommeln art project was initiated in 1990/91 to honor the historical significance of the synagogue built in 1882 in Stommeln, Pulheim. The city of Pulheim is the owner and operator of the former synagogue in Stommeln. The city acquired the building in 1979 and began restoration. Since 1983, the restored synagogue has served as a municipal cultural center. This synagogue is one of the few in Germany that survived the Nazi pogroms of 1938 unscathed; this gives it not only historical but also cultural value that must be preserved and promoted. As part of the project, international artists were invited, including renowned figures such as Jannis Kounellis, Richard Serra, Georg Baselitz, Eduardo Chillida, Rebecca Horn, Rosemarie Trockel, and most recently Alfredo Jaar in 2019. They created site-specific artworks in harmony with the architecture and historical significance of the building. These works engage in a dialogue with the unique history of the synagogue, provide food for thought on Jewish history in the region, and promote understanding and engagement with memory and commemorative culture.

Challenges

Despite its significance, there have been no new exhibitions recently, and there are currently no concrete plans to revive the art project. The last activity was the publication of an anniversary book in 2023. The project struggles to adapt to digital transformation. Information is mainly found in publications and on a few websites, indicating a lack of digital presence.

Our Vision

To revive the art project and sustainably maintain the synagogue as a cultural center, an association is to be founded. The goal of this association is to develop the synagogue into a dynamic and interactive space for art, culture, and active Jewish life ^[1]. The new association has the potential to establish the Synagogue Stommeln as one of the most significant cultural centers in the region. The aim is to preserve the heritage and vibrant presence of Jewish culture and to promote innovative artistic expressions. Digital transformation will help to reach a broad audience. ^{1. It is important to note that the implementation of the planned initiatives and goals of this association depends on the approval of the current operator and, in particular, the owner of the synagogue.}

Association Goals

• **Promotion of Art and Culture**: A key pillar is the return to the tradition of annual artist projects. International artists will be commissioned to develop site-specific works that engage in dialogue with the historical and architectural context of the synagogue. These art projects should reflect historical relevance as well as contemporary themes and perspectives to offer new insights into the past and present. Additionally, the synagogue will be used for a variety of other cultural events that act as a bridge between different cultures and communities, promoting intercultural exchange.
• **Integration of an Active Space for Jewish Life**: The synagogue should not only be a place for art but also for active Jewish life. The spatial design should allow for multifunctional use, providing space for educational purposes, community gatherings, and quiet reflection. This orientation forms the core of the effort to profile the synagogue as a place of vibrant Jewish culture.
• **Digital Transformation**: A central focus of the association is the digital transformation of the art project. This includes the development of a dynamic and interactive online presence that serves as a virtual platform for exhibitions and events. A visually appealing and user-friendly website will inform about the synagogue, past and future art projects, and the artists involved. The website will also offer virtual tours and multimedia content such as videos to provide visitors with a comprehensive and interactive experience. Social media will be used to engage a younger audience and promote interaction and participation in projects. Live streaming of events or artist talks will achieve worldwide reach and include those who cannot be physically present. This is accompanied by comprehensive digital documentation and archiving of art projects and events. Publicly accessible, this digital archive can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and interested parties.
• **Education and Intercultural Dialogue**: The association plans to offer workshops and courses focused on Jewish history, art, music, and language. These educational offerings will also intensively address combating anti-Semitism and prejudice. Community art and cultural projects can serve as a platform to promote dialogue, break down prejudices, and strengthen intercultural exchange.
• **Expanding Reach**: In addition to in-person events, various online offerings will significantly expand the reach of the synagogue. This includes live streams, digital discussion rounds, and globally accessible events. Such measures will ensure that the Synagogue Stommeln is perceived as a unique place for cultural encounters and creative exchange on a global scale.

Become a Member

Become part of our association and support the revival of the Synagogue Stommeln. Together we can enrich the cultural landscape and create new opportunities for art and community.

The association has the potential to establish the Synagogue Stommeln as one of the most significant cultural centers in the region. The aim is to preserve the heritage and vibrant presence of Jewish culture and to promote innovative artistic expressions. Digital transformation will help to reach a broad audience. By creating an inclusive, digital, and intercultural space, the cultural significance of the synagogue will be strengthened not only locally but also globally. Collaborations with educational and cultural institutions will help achieve this goal and secure and make visible the unique potential of the synagogue as a place of history, culture, and art.