Waiblingen paper art grant: in memoriam Renate Reichert

This year, a new program started at Galerie Stihl Waiblingen: Every two years, an internationally renowned artist works on site in the gallery as the main scholarship holder and looks after young scholarship holders who can apply from all over the world. The first round with KHADIJA EL ABYAD, VALENTINE GARDIENNET, NELE HENDRIKJE SANDNER under the guidance of Prof. Katrin Ströbel has completed the four-week work phase; now the exhibition can be visited until mid-October.

The new program is made possible with funds that Renate Reichert bequeathed to the Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation - with the condition that they be used "to promote contemporary artists, to promote young artists and to organize exhibitions for such young talents". In cooperation with the city of Waiblingen, in particular the gallery, the concept for the paper art scholarship arose from this order.

Renate Reichert's death caused quite a stir. At the age of 77, she was accidentally stabbed and killed in broad daylight on the open street in the west of Stuttgart by a man who had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for a long time. Her substantial estate went to various organizations and foundations in varying amounts; the Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation received a smaller share of around 550,000 euros. This means that at least three runs of the program will probably be possible.

Today it is no longer possible to understand why Ms. Reichert decided in favor of the Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation. Research by the foundation showed that she was very active, friendly and enthusiastic, attached importance to etiquette and a well-groomed appearance, spoke many languages, liked to visit vernissages and exhibitions and collected beautiful things. The paper art scholarship is intended to preserve her memory, give young people a valuable opportunity for qualification and further development, and add another highlight to the cultural landscape of Waiblingen.