Appendix at LernWerk will be home to artists and cultural professionals in future

The city of Bocholt and Bocholter Kunst- und Kulturgemeinschaft e.V. have signed the rental agreement for the Appendix at LernWerk. This provides the independent cultural scene with a long-term venue for creative formats, dialogue and events.

The extension to the LernWerk - known as the Appendix - will become a central location for Bocholt's independent art and culture scene in the future. Head of Cultural Affairs Björn Volmering and Bocholter Kunst- und Kulturgemeinschaft e.V. have now signed the rental agreement, laying the foundations for the permanent use of the part of the building. The association, which was founded in 2022, pursued the goal of moving into the Appendix as a permanent location from the outset.

An active association of creative artists had already been in existence for many years, meeting in the former sales rooms of the Herding company from 2016. Under the name "fKK - freie KulturKommune", a creative space for art, encounters and dialogue was created there. When the building was demolished as part of the LernWerk remodelling, it was clear that a new perspective was needed. This is now becoming a reality with the Appendix.

"A great place where we can reach many people and bring art and culture to life for them", says Joachim Freund, first chairman of the Bocholt art and culture community, which is made up of around 60 artists from various genres. "We are convinced that the Appendix will become a lively meeting place for art, exchange and young talent. Ideas and concepts for this exist and are being further developed."

The city of Bocholt has been supporting the development of the association for years and emphasises the special significance of the new cultural venue. Close, regular cooperation with the city museum and the entire Culture & Education department is an integral part of the future use and was agreed at an early stage. This should ensure that the Appendix is optimally integrated into Bocholt's existing cultural landscape and that synergies are actively utilised.

Jule Wanders, Head of the Department of Culture and Education, is also optimistic about what will be created in the Appendix: "I am personally very much looking forward to the new venue for art and culture in Bocholt, and thanks to the many years of collaboration with many artists, I am sure that wonderful exhibitions, small concerts and unusual readings will take place there and inspire the people of Bocholt."

The association is planning a wide-ranging cultural programme in the Appendix with open formats, exhibitions, workshops, performances and events that are accessible at a low threshold and offer space for experimentation. The city of Bocholt sees the collaboration as an important impetus for cultural diversity and strengthening the local art and culture scene.