Stefan Schwenke, mayor of Worpswede since 2001, will not seek re-election in the local elections on September 13. The trained businessman and lawyer said 25 years were enough. Schwenke won the office as an independent candidate and has significantly shaped the development of the artist colony.
Among his greatest achievements is the establishment of the museum association, which started in 2005 on the initiative of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science. Previously competing foundations now work together, offer a joint ticket, and coordinate major exhibitions – such as the current one marking the 150th birthday of Paula Modersohn-Becker, running until November 1 at all major venues. Overnight stays rose from 40,000 to 60,000 per year, according to Schwenke.
Schwenke hopes his successor will promote contemporary art and “dare to try something a bit crazy.”
Source: www.ndr.de
