Neubrandenburg Art Collection: Merete Cobarg is retiring after 27 years!

Neubrandenburg Art Collection: Merete Cobarg is retiring after 27 years!

After 27 successful years at the helm of the Neubrandenburg Art Collection, Merete Cobarg announces her retirement. During her time as director, the 66-year-old not only accompanied the development of the collection, but also organized numerous exhibitions that shaped the city's cultural life. Cobarg looks back on an exciting era that began with the move of the art collection from a villa on Pferdemarkt to Große Wollweberstrasse in 2003. During this time, a total of 131 exhibitions were held and the collection attracted almost 150,000 visitors.

“It was important to me to keep the art collection alive and appeal to a broad audience,” explained Cobarg. Her work was characterized by bold steps and a keen eye for current art trends. Artists like Daniel Spoerri and Günther Uecker provided special highlights in the event calendar with their top-class exhibitions. Uecker even acted as patron of the art prize ten times, which underlines its importance for the art scene.

A look behind the scenes

With a holding of around 7,500 works, the Neubrandenburg Art Collection not only represents local creativity, but also contemporary German art from cities such as Berlin, Dresden and Chemnitz. “Promoting and supporting the current art process was one of my main concerns,” emphasizes Cobarg. The collection, which was founded in 1890 and has largely been considered lost since 1945, has gained in importance since 1982 and relies heavily on the involvement of the city and its people in order to make art tangible for everyone.

Special attention was also paid to the younger generation. From nativity tots to school children to students and art connoisseurs – the Neubrandenburg art collection has something to offer for everyone. “Children experience art without bias, which has an inspiring effect on many artists,” she explains, pointing to the importance of the art collection for the city’s cultural network.

Cultural relevance and outlook

The art collection not only serves as an exhibition space, but also as a place for encounters and exchange. Annual special exhibitions and changing presentations ensure that the collection remains accessible to everyone. The focus is to inspire both Neubrandenburgers and guests and to shed light on the region's diverse art scene.

There is great anticipation for the next steps in the art collection as Cobarg passes this important role to her successor. "The further development of this institution will continue to be of central importance. It is a valuable part of cultural life in Neubrandenburg," concluded Cobarg. The city says goodbye with thanks and appreciation to a personality who shaped the art collection for almost three decades. NDR reports. Culture MV describes the journey of the art collection and its challenges in the context of living culture.