Münster residents fundraise to acquire Nicole Eisenman's vandalized fountain sculpture

Residents of Münster are raising €1.2 million to purchase Nicole Eisenman's Sketch for a Fountain (2017), originally created for the 2017 Skulptur Projekte Münster. The sculpture, featuring five androgynous bronze-and-plaster figures around a basin, was repeatedly vandalized with fascist slogans during the exhibition. Sculptor Sandra Silbernagel and art dealer Maria Galen lead the campaign, stating the work makes a political statement for tolerance and respect. Local businesses contribute half the funds through creative initiatives: Pinkus Müller brewery developed a special 'fountain beer' with Eisenman-designed labels, a bakery sells 'Fountain bread rolls', and two restaurants plan 'fountain dishes', with proceeds supporting the acquisition. A city printer produces free promotional flyers. The association Dein Brunnen für Münster (Your Fountain for Münster) seeks the remaining €600,000 from private foundations and public bodies. Although the original work was dismantled after the October 2017 exhibition, Eisenman has begun creating a new bronze version in response to the community effort.