Kulturverein Oer-Erkenschwick e.V.

In the page's words:

Cultural Circle History

In the spring of 1998, culturally interested citizens from a wide range of professions came together for the first time to give art and culture a higher status in Oer-Erkenschwick. They wanted to play a part in shaping it. Some of them quickly agreed to form a board and draw up a constitution. On June 18, 1998, the association was entered in the register of associations at Recklinghausen District Court.

Of course, they also quickly agreed on various program points. And so, on September 30, 1998, the WAZ newspaper reported: "The cultural association is setting quite a pace". The association's first offer was a visit to the Gauguin exhibition in Essen. A bus was quickly filled. The second idea that was implemented was the first jazz concert with Marty Grosz from New York, a world-class jazz guitarist. Nobody could have guessed that this concert on October 6, 1998 at "Mutter Wehner" would be the start of a concert series. Today, in 2011, our concerts, now more than 25, are known far beyond the borders of Oer-Erkenschwick by musicians and listeners alike and are not to be missed. This series quickly acquired an unmistakable name "HAARD-JAZZ".

Other ideas had a harder time. Our series of classical concerts had varying degrees of success at first, but then there were fewer and fewer people interested and we eventually had to discontinue it.

We first ventured into the performing arts with museum visits, followed by photo exhibitions and finally, in cooperation with the allotment garden association "Arbeit und Freude", a major event entitled "Art in the Garden". Here, not only painters with large and small pictures found a wonderful natural stage, but also light artists, photographers, musicians, storytellers and a rock band, all from Oer-Erkenschwick and the surrounding area.

After 12 years and more of cultural work, we are now mainly involved in poetry readings, theater and cabaret, rock and pop concerts, youth events, workshops and cultural trips, but are open to any further suggestions. Our membership is growing, our board is changing - but one thing remains the same: Art and culture open to everyone who accepts it, at prices you can afford. A diverse program that is constantly being expanded or changed according to demand. Of course, all this takes a lot of time and effort from the volunteers. We are always delighted when we are able to inspire you and we also gratefully accept praise. Of course, we are particularly happy about any support you give us by joining the association.

We are always happy to receive your visit and also your criticism.