Unknown author, “Kunst in Not,” Münchner Neueste Nachrichten, 132
May 16, 1929

Art in Need
May 16, 1929

Annual General Assembly of the Kunstverein München

The Kunstverein München held its regular general assembly, chaired by the chairman, Freiherr v. Stengel. The report given to the meeting by the director, Hofrat Pixis, shows that in the past year the association has again been successful, especially in its

exhibition activities.

Twenty-two exhibitions of Munich artists’ groups and another association of artists from Dachau were held in rotation, as well as sixty-two different individual collections; three scholarship holders from the city of Munich were able to show the fruits of their study trips, and deceased artists were honored in eight memorial exhibitions. Only to a very limited extent did foreign art have its say; its part was limited to three collections of Northern German artists [...] and an easement was granted to the association, which, as a result of this concession, has the possibility to increase the pure hanging space of its present halls from 150 to almost 300 running meters and to move the present inconvenient entrance forward towards the gate of the Hofgarten near the tram stop. Privy Councillor Prof. Dr. Theod. Fischer advised the board of directors on technical matters and drew up plans that will give the future Kunstverein building a distinguished and tasteful appearance. The raising of funds for the new building is facilitated by
the fact that the Munich City Council intends to grant the association a mortgage and a loan on the pictures of the association’s gallery from funds of the municipal savings and giro bank, which is valued at 165,000 marks. In order to reduce the interest on the loan, the association intends to gradually sell its gallery. The previous year’s general assembly approved the board’s proposals without objection. The building plans have been completed. The financing of the new building and reconstruction is secured, but the association still faces great difficulties in financing the future operation of the gallery. It will require more funds according to its size, for which the membership of the association is by no means sufficient. The board will try to find a favorable solution to this question as soon as possible. As a prelude to private participation, may the donation from an un- named friend of the arts be recorded, who has already transferred a five-digit amount to the building fund.

Commemoration and gratitude

The annual report also dedicates words of honorable remembrance to the deceased members. The report expresses gratitude to the authorities, the municipal art referee, Mayor Dr. Küfner, the heads of the state and municipal art collections, the artists’ groups and the press, as well as the loyal members in Munich and abroad. Furthermore, the permanent representative committee of the Bavarian art associations which, as a result of a raffle organized for the promotion of creative art in Bavaria, transferred the considerable sum of 36,000 marks to the Kunstverein München. Further recognition was given to the exhibition committee which, under the proven leadership of Professors Karl Blos and Ludwig Bolgiano, willingly undertook the painstaking work of selecting and grouping the works of art. Unfortunately, as with other culturally active associations, the number of members shows a downward trend. The lack of new members is particularly saddening. The treasurer’s report, presented by director Max Fischer, concluded with 106,000 receipts and expenditures: the treasurer was discharged with recognition of his work, as was the board of directors. It would be sincerely desirable [...]