Struggling to Stay Afloat: The Lone Acoustic Lab in Germany, 'Toen', Faces An Uncertain Future - Michael Ammann, a renowned sound artist from Fürth, has been terminated.
In the modest courtyard of the Fürth suitcase factory, a cultural hub and national hotspot of electroacoustic art for over three decades, Michael Ammann's "Toen" studio stands. This unassuming space, known for immersive sound experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration, has been issued a vacating notice by June 2025. A petition on openPetition.de calls for the studio’s preservation.
The Fürth suitcase factory has flourished as a bastion of cultural diversity, artistic exploration, and creativity. At its heart lies sound artist Michael Ammann, who's cultivated a unique working environment for over 30 years. His studio, nestled within the factory, has been instrumental in fostering electroacoustic art, improvisation, and interdisciplinary projects.
The unwelcome notice caught Ammann off guard, as he aimed to address the inadequate heating situation with Gastro Kultur GmbH. Instead, he was presented with a notice to vacate, citing the rooms' unrentable condition and future emptiness. Yet, the reasons seem contradictory, with references to self-use hinted at by the company. Ammann insists his studio is in compliance with the suitcase factory's standards.
Ammann plays a crucial role in the experimental art scene, challenging norms and pushing boundaries beyond commerce and mainstream. The “Toen” studio serves as the birthplace of the prestigious QUADROPHONIA festival and a convening spot for European artists. Projects like the Fürth GASTSPIEL have also been conceived from within the studio.
Ammann's work revolves around improvised sound art in the human-machine context, a rarity in the German scene. He describes his approach as "audio real-time painting," delving into acoustic expressionism, spontaneous composition, and quadraphonic space.
Support from the city, however, appears scant. Despite the factory's political defense and resistance to redevelopment, no legal protection has been granted to Ammann or his studio. Two operators, Felix Geismann and Florian Lippmann, who hold political and cultural mandates in the city, have yet to voice their support.
The current petition, entitled “Toen must remain,” was initiated by Ammann's artistic allies. The sound artist expresses gratitude for the outpouring of solidarity. Despite the threat of eviction and mounting pressure, Ammann remains devoted to his artistry, reflecting his unwavering commitment. At present, alternatives are scarce, and Ammann has no intention of leaving the space he's deeply rooted to.
The petition is accessible online at openpetition.de, addressing the city of Fürth, cultural committee, and local society. It seeks clear positioning and dialogue with the operators, urging the preservation of treasured locations for the betterment of the community.
The demise of the “Toen” studio would deprive the Nuremberg metropolitan region of a unique, internationally renowned cultural asset.
Other avenues for entertainment and artistic exploration would be severely limited in the Nuremberg metropolitan region if the "Toen" studio is vacated. Michael Ammann's studio, renowned for its innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in music, would be a significant loss to the electroacoustic art community and the broader cultural landscape.
