Artist Michael Ammann discusses the potential termination of his studio located in the suitcase factory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its existence.
In a surprise turn of events, renowned sound artist Michael Ammann, who has spent over three decades at Fürth's suitcase factory, faces the risk of eviction by June 2025. The studio "Toen," which has become a hub for subcultural and experimental art forms, has played a pivotal role in securing Fürth a place on the international sound art scene map.
Ammann's long-standing connection with the factory began as a temporary rehearsal room and evolved into a living studio over the years. Prior to this, he led regional bands before growing tired of reproducing compositions and transitioning to improvisation, first in jazz and later to electroacoustic improvisation.
The "Toen" studio houses state-of-the-art technology for sound improvisation, focusing on human-machine collaboration. This work encompasses real-time acousmatic, interdisciplinary cooperation with dance, theater, film, and visual art, creating a unique form of sound painting in space.
However, Ammann has been handed a notice of termination, citing the rooms' condition as the reason. Despite the studio being in pristine condition for suitcase factory standards, it was stated that the rooms would remain empty after his departure and could be used for the operators' own purposes. This apparent contradiction has left Ammann perplexed.
The pushback against the eviction has been notable. Ammann has contacted city officials, cultural advisory boards, and even the mayor, with little success so far. City figures holding political mandates, such as Felix Geismann and Florian Lippmann, have remained silent amidst the conflict, a surprising turn given their cultural and political influence.
A petition titled "Toen must stay," spearheaded by friends and fellow artists, has garnered significant support. This support offers a glimmer of hope for Ammann, though the ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll emotionally.
Struggling to find alternative accommodations, Ammann longs for a productive dialogue with the operators through official channels. A reconciliatory discussion, rather than legal action, is his preference, as expressed by the mayor. If evicted, Fürth stands to lose a unique space for experimental sound art and a valuable center for artistic innovation.
- Michael Ammann, in search of a productive dialogue, has requested a meeting with the mayor, hoping to avoid legal action and find an alternative location for his "Toen" studio.
- The supporters of Ammann have launched a petition named "Toen must stay," rallying behind the need to preserve this unique hub for subcultural and experimental art forms, encompassing fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping.
- As Ammann faces the risk of eviction by June 2025, he looks forward to discussing the operators' intentions for the empty rooms, hoping that they maintain the studio's purpose of promoting and nurturing other creative lifestyle practices.
- In the eviction's aftermath, the city of Fürth may lose a valuable center for artistic innovation, resulting in a potential void in the international sound art scene map, just as the studio "Toen" played an integral role in fostering its growth.
- Despite the importance of Ammann's studio to the artistic community, city figures have stayed silent amidst the conflict, leaving the burden of saving "Toen" on Ammann and his supporters, who are determined to ensure that the studio continues to provide a diverse platform for interdisciplinary cooperation and experimental art forms.
