Lecture as part of the Studium Generale programme at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences on 15 November 2016 on the topic of sustainability in museums, held on the Kleve campus
The term ‘sustainability’ is on everyone’s lips these days; its meanings are varied and flexible. Yet at its core, it is about humanity’s responsibility towards planet Earth. What does this have to do with the Museum Schloss Moyland? A great deal. As a museum, it is committed to the preservation, research and communication of cultural heritage. Culture and art are cornerstones of societies and thus constitute a central resource of human life.
Like almost no other artist, Joseph Beuys – whose work defines the Museum Schloss Moyland as an international Beuys centre – explored questions of human existence and the future through his art. His artistic vision of ‘social sculpture’ was intended to heighten everyone’s awareness of the ecological, economic and social responsibilities of each individual, for the benefit of all. Against this backdrop, Museum Schloss Moyland – with its distinctive focus on the theme of ‘art and nature’ – regularly features contemporary artists in its exhibition programme who address ‘sustainable’ issues, such as, most recently, Lori Nix (2015), Alexandra R. Toland (2016) and Tea Mäkipää (2017).
The lecture is part of the Studium Generale programme. The lecture series is aimed at the general public, as well as students, lecturers and staff at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, and presents current topics in an accessible and informative manner. The series also offers the opportunity to engage with current issues. “We invite everyone, regardless of age, to attend these fascinating lectures,” says the university’s President, Dr Heide Naderer.
