A landmark with history
Since 1994, the "Citizens' Swallow's Nest" artwork has been a permanent fixture and eye-catcher in Kaarst town hall. The walk-in art installation by artist Martel Wiegand, who also lived in Kaarst for a time, was donated by the Sparkassenstiftung Kaarst-Büttgen as a permanent loan. Now, 30 years after its installation, the question of the artwork's future arises.
Art and identity
The "Citizens' Swallow's Nest" consists of a wooden structure with printed linoleum panels designed by Kaarst citizens. It was not only intended to be an art object, but also a symbol of identification with the city. However, the sprinkler system, which was required for fire safety reasons, is now defective. It is also unclear whether the substructure still fulfils the structural requirements.
There are two options
The city council has worked out two possible scenarios: Either the complete dismantling of the art installation or a refurbishment on the condition that fire safety is restored, whereby the mayor initially brought the dismantling of the artwork into discussion without informing the political bodies.
The work of art is so formative that tearing it down cannot be the only sensible solution! Above all: a proper consultation with a meeting presentation must be prepared here, which has not happened! Mrs Baum focused on the removal of the artwork. The reason for this is that the sprinkler system is not working. It is inexplicable to us that the sprinkler system has not been regularly checked and maintained - fire safety precautions are a matter of course for every homeowner.
Before a final decision is made, however, all options must be examined, also in co-operation with the Sparkasse as the owner of the artwork and the artist's community of heirs.
Financial considerations
In times of budget consolidation, costs and benefits must be carefully weighed up. Another conceivable option could be to close off the artwork in a visually appealing way to minimise maintenance costs.
CDU in favour of an objective solution
The CDU Kaarst will advocate an objective and solution-orientated discussion in order to reach a decision in the interests of the citizens and urban development.