Courage for Art – Ute Samtleben

CONVERSATION: Hannes Wittenberg speaks with Ute Samtleben, a prominent figure in the Potsdam art and culture scene, about the role of art in our urban society. As early as the 1970s, Ute Samtleben advocated for artists who were under political pressure. At that time, she initially worked as a curator at the cultural center "Hans Marchwitza," and from 1981 as a journalist for the "Märkische Union." During the revolution of 1989/90, she was actively involved in the New Forum. In 1990, Ute Samtleben took over the premises of the former Galerie Am Tor on Brandenburger Straße and founded the Galerie Samtleben, which she managed until 2007. The gallery quickly became a meeting point and a forum for contemporary Potsdam art, literature, and diverse discussions. A conversation with Ute Samtleben about courage, responsibility, and the power of cultural spaces.