The Kunsthochschule Kassel is receiving support: in June 2026, the ‘Companions’ Kunsthochschule Kassel association was founded. The association aims to support the academy conceptually, financially and structurally, and to strengthen its significance within the city and the region.
The board of the Companions consists of Bernhard Balkenhol (Chair), Helmut Plate (Deputy Chair), Sonja Rossettini (Treasurer), as well as Markus Braband, Mateo Chacón Pino, Hugo Noll and Regine Rosenboom. The Rector of the Kunsthochschule Kassel, Prof. Martin Schmidl, will act in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board.
The association associates the name ‘Companions’ with the ideas of support, community and collaboration. The aim is to create a vibrant network that will strengthen the Kunsthochschule Kassel in the long term and forge new links between the academy, the art scene and the wider community. Plans include supporting scholarships, facilitating meetings with former students and lecturers, as well as organising lectures, presentations and other formats for exchange.
A particular focus of the association is also to highlight the long history of the Kunsthochschule Kassel. The 250th anniversary of the Kunsthochschule Kassel in 2027 provides the perfect occasion for this.
During this year’s Rundgang the Kunsthochschule Kassel (KhK), the Companions will introduce themselves as part of the opening event on 9 July 2026 at 6 pm on the Mensawiese by the KhK North Building. Throughout the exhibition period, which runs until 12 July 2026, the association will also have an information stand. Visitors can find out about the association’s aims and opportunities for getting involved. Students at the Kunsthochschule Kassel can become members free of charge.