THE GEMS

»In Kolumba I feel like a queen« (Simone, 14 years old)

We meet on an equal footing. We foster continuity and participation. We practice care, connection and dialogue. We put our heart into our work – with intensity, inclusively, as the situation demands. We explore how Kolumba gives scope to the senses and enhances our haptic intelligence. We make the museum ours by way of our very own rituals and bring our personal perspectives into play.  With the aid of the exhibitions, we test out and develop our creative potential. We become familiar with a wide range of artistic media – and concoct new ideas.  We trust each other.  We have courage. We are looking for that sparkle. We call ourselves THE GEMS, the precious stones.
Kolumba is a treasure trove, a resonance chamber and at the same time a safe space: for polishing our shine. Our interventions will make the museum visible and set new, scintillating standards. We revise the present and renegotiate entrenched interpretations. We tell our stories and add our voices to the museum. We are well-meaning, but critical. We formulate our own questions: Does the museum like me and me it? Who does the museum belong to? Does it belong to me, to you, or no one?
THE GEMS are engaged in spirited anti-discriminatory, solidarity-based art education. They bring together diverse backgrounds and spheres of life, various languages and knowledge based on different experiences. They stand up for how we see ourselves: everything is to hand already and is valuable.  And: we need that sparkle.

From 2023 to 2027 we are collaborating with the youth centre Meschenich and children and young people between the ages of 10 and 15 years of age. In 2025, the format will receive financial support from the Dr. Katharina und Uwe Winnekes Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the City of Cologne. Concept and implementation:  Susanne Heincke and Suzanne Josek