Originally created to compete with the “Königlichen Akademie der Bildenden Künste,” the Kunstverein, in accordance with its founding notion, initially served as a form of and forum for self-organization of a newly emerging civic public, which in the early 19th century explored new territories not only politically but also culturally. As a privately sponsored association, the Kunstverein Munich operates relatively independently in terms of its immediate economical as well as (cultural) political interests. This twofold autonomy predestines the Kunstverein to be a space for artistic experimentation, where innovative curatorial work can be accomplished without spurious consideration for political duties or mercantile calculations. Trough regular exhibitions, lectures, artist’s talks, conferences, film screenings and publications, Kunstverein München creates a vital and discursive space for presenting and mediating contemporary art.