Opening of BR 2025/26

The first meeting of all those involved in the new BR edition started with a guided tour. Antje-Britt Mählmann, artistic Director at Museum Schloss Moyland, and Annika Hardy provided exciting insights into the creation and background of the multifaceted exhibition „Marina Abramović and MAI – in dialogue with Joseph Beuys“, supported by the MAI-fellows and BR residents Francesco Marzano, Michelle Samba, Esref Yildirim and Martin Toloku.
Following the tour, all the participating artists and hosts introduced themselves, sharing impressions of their previous work and their plans for the upcoming residency period. Once again, the wide variety of locations and people involved in this programme became apparent.
The BR team then presented the plan for the joint program of the coming months, which included field trips and ideas for a joint final project. The evening was marked by a relaxed, informal dinner at Hotel Elaya, which provided an opportunity for networking and making new connections.

Day two began with a visit of the Kurhaus Kleve museum, whose rooms are currently closed to the public. Curator and Deputy Director Susanne Figner provided exclusive insights into the museum’s origins and the rooms‘ early use and distinctive features. The tour took place in an almost private atmosphere: some works were draped or packed away, while others remained accessible, creating an inspirational landscape that encouraged reflection.

The opening activities were characterised by a welcoming, exploratory atmosphere that emphasised connections, mutual learning and cross-border exchange, and made us look forward to the coming months!