New museum director wants to tighten the network in the surrounding area

Meet the new kid on the block at Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz: Florence Thurmes. She's leading the charge, aiming to shake things up and bring the museum to the people, and especially those young cats. Her vision? Breaking down walls, blending with the community, and transforming the city into a hub of art and culture.

But this isn't just about the city, she's got her eyes set on the wider region. A rich museum landscape right in her backyard, waiting for the perfect opportunity to collaborate. Education programs, anyone? She talked about sharing knowledge and passion for art across various topics with her fellow museums, fostering a vibrant community of creativity.

Once the General Director takes her seat at the beginning of 2024, she'll be taking the reins during Chemnitz's stint as European Capital of Culture. Mark your calendars for some super dope exhibitions on Edvard Munch and self-taught artists. Can we get a yeah?

Florence's love for local art is clear. Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, an expressionist born and bred in Chemnitz, is her muse. She's thrilled to see his childhood home getting a renovation in time for the Capital of Culture year 2025. It's going to be a museum come alive.

Now, for the juicy details straight from our inside sources:

1. Sync up with local universities to bring digital culture and migration research into the mix, organizing workshops and lectures that mix art and tech.
2. Collaborate with nearby museums to create interdisciplinary exhibitions showcasing Schmidt-Rottluff's work alongside other artists and cultural movements.
3. Draw in the community with local art projects, public installations, and events that involve neighborhood artists and residents.
4. Planning grand cultural events, like concerts and theater performances, to celebrate Schmidt-Rottluff's influence on Expressionism.
5. Utilizing digital platforms for virtual exhibitions and workshops, which can reach a broader audience.
6. Developing educational programs for schools that integrate art history, cultural studies, and creative activities, engaging students with Schmidt-Rottluff's work.
7. Working closely with the new Fachkommission Kunst to integrate art into public spaces and buildings, keeping Schmidt-Rottluff's legacy front and center in Chemnitz's cultural landscape.

So, that's the lowdown, to bring it back home – Florence's ready to turn Chemnitz into a creative powerhouse, and we can't wait.