Association in Pforzheim Changes Leadership
Leading the Art Game with Daria Schroth and Janusz Czech: The New Crew at Kunstverein Pforzheim
It's a brand-new era at the Kunstverein Pforzheim in Reuchlinhaus! Since the start of 2025, Daria Schroth and Janusz Czech have stepped onto the scene, ready to shake things up—but with a smoother transition in mind. They've teamed up with the long-time director, Bettina Schönfelder, who's been with the Kunstverein since 2006. With this gradual change, the Kunstverein benefits from a perfect mix of continuity and fresh ideas for the future.
The board of Kunstverein is bustling with excitement about the duo's innovative ideas and interdisciplinary approach. They're confident that Daria Schroth and Janusz Czech will take the Kunstverein's artistic direction to new heights. This update comes as Bettina Schönfelder prepares to guide the Kunstverein into its 150th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2027.
In 2025, the first two exhibitions were curated by Bettina Schönfelder, leading the way for Daria Schroth and Janusz Czech's first joint exhibition, slated for the summer. This will serve as their programmatic debut and mark the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the Kunstverein.
Daria Schroth, born in 1997, is a pioneer in the art and cultural scene of Pforzheim. After earning a degree in cultural and media education with a focus on art and theater/literature, she has been actively involved in the local community, from membership in the youth committee of the Jugendkulturzentrum Kupferdächle to her work at the jazz club "Domicile" and her contributions to the cultural development of the city. Recently, she has been a part of projects at the EMMA-Kreativzentrum Pforzheim and the exhibition house A.K.T., where she also collaborated on the "Summer of Cultures" project. Her involvement in organizing cultural festivals and international cultural events reflects her dedication to socially relevant and interdisciplinary art.
Janusz Czech, born in 1975, brings a rich artistic background to the table. He studied painting, graphics at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe, and conceptual art (Post-Conceptual Art Practices) at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Since 2011, he's been an editorial member of agora42, overseeing the WOZU KUNST section. From 2019 onward, he served as the artistic director of the exhibition house A.K.T., where he, along with the EMMA creative center, transformed it into a space for socio-political art and discourses that stretch beyond Pforzheim's borders. His work as an artist and curator is characterized by interdisciplinary and transcultural projects, pivoting art into a transformative force and communication platform. He's been recognized for his impressive work with fellowships at the Cité Internationale des Arts Paris and work grants from the Kunstfonds Foundation.
This power couple's primary goal? To make the Kunstverein a lively hub for contemporary art, boosting artistic research, interdisciplinary projects, and innovative mediation formats. They have a special interest in connecting with the diverse and youthful community of Pforzheim. So, prepare for some major art movements in this picturesque town!
As the Kunstverein Pforzheim prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027, Daria Schroth and Janusz Czech, the new artistic directors, are expected to introduce a home-and-garden makeover, transforming the institution into a vibrant cultural center for the community. With Daria's background in cultural and media education and her involvement in local events, and Janusz's expertise in conceptual art and interdisciplinary projects, their lifestyle promises to revolutionize the art scene of Pforzheim, attracting a diverse and youthful crowd.
