On 1 September 2025, this year’s general meeting of the Association of the Artists’ and Scholars’ House in the Altmark district of Salzwedel took place. Of the 33 members, 16 accepted the invitation from the board. District Administrator Steve Kanitz and several sponsors and supporters of the association were also in attendance.
Vera Wibbeke, the chairwoman of the association, summarised the year 2024 in her report. In a vivid PowerPoint presentation, she introduced the 2024 state scholarship holders and their artistic work. Last year, there were a total of six board meetings and one general meeting.
Vera Wibbeke expressed her sincere thanks to all members, sponsors and supporters of the association, as well as to the board for their voluntary work.
She also highlighted the great work of the district adult education centre, which organises so-called artist cafés four times a year in cooperation with the board, and the Johann Friedrich Danneil Museum, where last year’s scholarship holders can present their works as part of the ‘StipendiatenART’ exhibition.
After the cash audit was also completed without any objections, the old board was granted discharge for the year 2024.
This was followed by board elections. According to the association’s statutes, the board must be re-elected every four years. Karl-Heinz Reck acted as election officer from the association, and the election was conducted by open ballot. Vera Wibbeke and Heidrun Kalmbach stepped down from the old board.
Mirko Rathke was confirmed as the new chairperson of the association, with Ines Kahrens as his deputy. Inka Ludwig ran for re-election as secretary and was confirmed. Birgit Eurich is the new treasurer, and Cornelia Blödow, Kathrin Stade and Joachim Mikolajczyk serve as assessors on the executive committee.
The board now consists of seven members.
The extended board also includes the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, represented by Ms Simone Franz, and the Hanseatic City of Salzwedel, represented by Ms Antje Schwesig, as ‘born members’.
The former chairwoman concluded by looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of the Artists’ and Scholarship Holders’ House Association, which will be celebrated in 2027. Planning for this event will therefore be driven forward by the new chairperson this year and next.
All members of the Artists’ and Scholarship Holders’ House Association would like to once again express their sincere gratitude to Sparkasse Altmark West and the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel passenger transport company for their many years of financial support.
Here on the website, there is also membership applications, because anyone who would like to support the Artists’ and Scholarship Holders’ House Association is very welcome!
Foto: @_AMK