88th Fall Exhibition

For the 88th time, the “Herbstausstellung niedersächsischer Künstlerinnen und Künstler” [Fall Exhibition of Artists from Lower Saxony] will be held at the Kunstverein Hannover and further venues. With the Fall Exhibition, the Kunstverein Hannover adheres to its history, since the “scene” has valued this exhibition format to present its works ever since the foundation of the art society. Once again, the Kunstverein Hannover will show its sincere ties to the artists of Lower Saxony and Bremen within the context of its international program, inviting them to apply in an open call system. More than 500 artists who were born or live in Lower Saxony or Bremen applied for the last edition, and around 50 participants were featured in the accompanying, cross-institutional show and catalog.
In 2018, a jury including representatives of the Kunstverein and experts will once again make a selection of artists who will then display their works at the Kunstverein, the Städtische Galerie Kubus and the gallery “Vom Zufall und vom Glück.” We would like to continue the attempt initiated in 2015 to expand the spatial exhibition into the digital world and are also planning to find new venues.
The open call already started in January 2018 so that as many artists as possible could apply as early as possible. For us and the audience, the Fall Exhibition always means exploring new works by artists who are already better-known as well as discovering young and occasionally overseen talents. Artists such as Kurt Schwitters or Timm Ulrichs already sought and found the path to the Kunstverein in this manner when they were young, and at the 87th Fall Exhibition, professors including Dörte Eißfeldt, Frances Scholz and Franka Hörnschemeyer participated in the show, partially alongside their students.
One of the now traditional features of the Fall Exhibition is the awarding of the coveted “Kunstpreis der Sparkasse Hannover” which marks an important occasion not least for “established” artists to take part in the open call. It is not only about the prize money of 10,000 euros, but also has to do with the honor and appreciation associated with the award.
The open call system for this exhibition poses a special organizational challenge, but it is not only used for historical reasons. It can be found in many international exhibition formats as a grassroots method to question the usual paths of art reception on the side of curators (through other shows, gallery presentations, studio visits, etc.) and to let oneself in for what is unforeseeable. The Fall Exhibition is therefore a special opportunity for many, while offering an array of surprises for everyone.