A success story in collaboration with the Bonn Kunstverein
Consistency and the courage to break new ground. For over 30 years, the Peter Mertes Scholarship has established itself as a cornerstone of cultural support in the Rhineland—not only through its continuity, but above all through its visible success.
The award, which includes a monthly grant over the course of one year as well as a final exhibition and accompanying catalogue, is aimed specifically at young artists who are often just emerging from their academic training.
With this scholarship, Peter Mertes Weinkellerei and the Bonn Kunstverein support artists during a pivotal moment: the transition from education to professional practice—a phase that is challenging in any field, but particularly uncertain for those pursuing a career in the arts. The award provides financial stability and allows recipients to remain fully focused on their creative work.
Support that targets moments of uncertainty and change is rare, as its success is often difficult to predict at the time it is granted. Yet Peter Mertes Weinkellerei follows a modest and long-term approach—one whose impact may only become clear in retrospect, but whose results are all the more striking.
A glance at the list of past recipients reveals many names that are now recognized both nationally and internationally. This long-standing commitment reflects an attitude that not only values art itself, but also acknowledges the often difficult path of its creation. It intervenes at a point where even small, sustained impulses can lead to something truly significant.