How it began:

The establishment of the supporting association is closely connected to the social changes in 1989 in the GDR. On 7 November 1989, even before the fall of the Berlin Wall, a call to save the historic Cranach Courtyards was read out in the churches of Wittenberg. Following this appeal, an active group of Wittenberg citizens came together, identifying with their city and supporting the project with advice, practical help, donations, and volunteer work. Such an undertaking, however, required a formal structure at a moment when all familiar societal structures were collapsing. In January 1990, the citizens’ initiative drafted statutes for the “Cranach Courtyards Foundation” and submitted them to the then district court for registration. Due to the societal upheavals, the registration was delayed—at that time, there was no foundation law in the GDR.

First Association

Thus, this initiative was registered as the first association in Wittenberg under the name “Cranach Courtyards Foundation e. V.” In addition to regular public activities, the first cultural events were organized, taking place in and between the dilapidated houses. The association also sought contact with the city. Donations were collected so that one day the establishment of a civic foundation, requiring an endowment, would be possible. In September 1994, the Cranach Foundation was finally established through the efforts of the supporting association.

Today

Cranach Foundation

The association and the city of Wittenberg jointly support the Cranach Foundation. Two representatives from each are sent to the foundation council, and a fifth person from the city of Wittenberg is appointed to ensure parity. The foundation appoints a full-time management team, consisting of a director and a deputy director (executive board).

Cranach Courtyards Wittenberg e.V.

Since individual membership is not possible in the Cranach Foundation, but support is essential for implementing its goals and events, the supporting association is needed. With around 150 members, it is an important supporter of the foundation’s programmatic work.

Volunteer activities—such as working in the Cranach Shop, Studio Cinema, guided tours through Cranach’s world, and festivals in the courtyard and Paradise Garden—are just as important to our engagement as financial support for the foundation’s programmatic work in the youth art school, Cranach’s World, festivals, and other activities.

In November 2024, the association took the lead in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the call “Save the Cranach Courtyards.” The result was a remarkable week of festivities and an informative, comprehensive commemorative publication (see images, texts, and digital media below).

Structure

An annual general meeting is held for all members. In addition to the regular association business, a cultural program is offered, making it an important gathering for all supporters from the region and across the country

A regular newsletter keeps members informed about the activities of the supporting association and the foundation. Further information is available on the website and the Instagram channel “Cranach.Hoefe.ev”

The general meeting delegates two representatives to the foundation council of the Cranach Foundation

The board consists of seven elected members

Current board members:

Wolfgang Nebel, Chair

Christina Wildgrube, 2nd Chair

Katharina Haftendorn-Fleischer, 2nd Chair

Claudia Bischof, Treasurer

Andrea Liemich, Board Member

Lutz Warnicke, Board Member

Antje Schubert, Recording Secretary