Promotion of arts and culture 2009

During the past year, Migros Culture Percentage has continued to promote contemporary culture, with the aim of reflecting current social developments and making high-quality cultural projects accessible to the general public at large.

Migros Culture Percentage projects are conceived and implemented with a view to promoting the Swiss cultural landscape and incorporate the guiding principles of innovation, participation and societal relevancy. Other important focal points are the support of cultural creators with financial contributions, and the promotion of young talent.

Clubhouse concerts yesterday – Migros Cultural Percentage Classics today

What Gottlieb Duttweiler conceived more than 60 years ago has a new future thanks to the Migros Culture Percentage 2009: the original Clubhouse Concerts were re-launched as the Migros Culture Percentage Classics. But the goal remains the same: to engage famous orchestras to tour Switzerland and present classical music to the general public at moderate prices. A new promotion platform called «OUVERTURE» gives the opportunity to Swiss talents the opportunity to perform with well-known orchestras in front of larger audiences.

Art beyond conventional borders

IntegrART is committed to expanding the definition of art beyond conventional borders. Cooperation between professional dancers with and without disabilities was at the core of the 2009 edition of its dance festival. Migros Culture Percentage sent four ensembles on tour in Switzerland and also organised a symposium headlined «all inclusive – kunst auf neu» («all inclusive – art anew»).

The ‘In-Place’ for the Swiss pop music scene

It took only two days and the Saturday evening concert of the pop music festival m4music was sold out. The Franz Ferdinand Band from Glasgow was the big attraction. But also the panels and roundtable discussions with international music professionals like Bill Drummond, Fritz Rau and Carl Leighton-Pope pulled in a large audience and emphasised the uniqueness of the festival as the meeting place for the Swiss pop music scene.

Beach monsters invade Zurich

digital brainstorming brings personalities from the fields of digital culture, science, art and education closer to the public. Exhibitions and workshops provide visitors with new and surprising insights into old questions. For one and a half weeks last August and September in Zurich, digital brainstorming presented the twelve-meter long «Strandbeest Animaris Umerus» created by the Dutch artist Theo Jansen. Jansen has been building his wind-powered, insect-like, many-footed creatures from plastic pipes, cable ties, nylon string and adhesive tape for more than 19 years. 7'350 visitors came and marvelled at the creature. The talks given by the charismatic artist and all the workshops for students and other interested individuals were booked out within a short period of time.

A place of production and reflection

Since its inception in 1996, the Migros Museum for Contemporary Art has maintained its mission as a place for art production as well as for reflection. During her first Swiss solo exhibition last spring, Josephine Meckseper focused on the theme of the links between political activism, consumer goods and advertising practices. The works of this German artist raise questions on the capitalistic-oriented value system of society.

40 years of talent competitions

Since 1969, the Migros Culture Percentage has granted study awards to gifted artists. During these years, 2'700 study awards worth around CHF 35 million have been offered to young talents. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary, these activities were enhanced and re-named «talent competitions». The prize winners now receive, in addition to financial funding, an enhanced support package to facilitate their transition from student to professional life.

Culture discourse

Another important realm of activity is the discourse on culture and society. During a forum at the L’arc – a Migros Culture Percentage think-and-work site located in Romainmôtier – experts from the fields of art, culture, cultural studies, and cultural sponsorship exchanged views on the question of quality in culture.

www.migros-kulturprozent.ch/kultur