The AKF-Award is based on evaluation criteria such as cultural and social relevance, how creative the underlying concept is, sustainability and impact of the project as well as the level of risk-taking. Likewise, the innovative knowledge transfer between company, cultural institution, artists and general public were assessed.

Already in 2018 Volkswagen had received the Corporate Art Award in the European Parliament in Brussels, a part of the program 'Art Patrons of the XXI. Century': “We are pleased to have been honored again and feel that through the AKF-Award we as a company have been encouraged to continue shaping our social responsibility in the area of cultural engagement and cultural education. Together with our partners we strive to engage the general public with art in all its forms, after all, we see cultural engagement as an investment toward an open, vibrant and discursive society“, comments Benita von Maltzahn, Director of Volkswagen Cultural Engagement.

Udo Kittelmann, Director of Nationalgalerie -Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, agrees: “The social role of a museum is particularly linked to its educational capabilities providing visitors with inspiration and knowledge by realizing exhibitions, addressing creative subjects and presenting cultural practices. I would like to thank Volkswagen for the long-lasting partnership and the indispensable support of the 'Volkswagen ART4ALL'initiative, which continuously attracts a wide audience and has become a vital part of the program at Hamburger Bahnhof”. Dr. Andreas Beitin, the new director of Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, had been following the positive experience with free admission to a museum and together with his team suggested expanding the concept to include the museum in Wolfsburg. Since January, 'Volkswagen ART4ALL' has now also been launched in Wolfsburg.

Volkswagen Cultural Engagement

With the support of forward-looking initiatives and projects within the international world of arts and culture, Volkswagen underlines its corporate responsibility and invites people with many different social backgrounds to engage with creative ideas and perspectives. For Volkswagen creativity as fundamental for innovation and both are needed for a sustainable and successful business as well as a modern and progressive society.