Nominated for the Culture Prize 2025: Idar-Oberstein Painting and Art School

The Idar-Oberstein Painting and Art School has now been in existence for 32 years. In 2009, a sponsoring association was founded under the chairmanship of Peter Simon, former mayor, as the first board member and Michael Hiebel, deputy director of the savings bank, as treasurer. Since 1993 Artistic Director: Nana Prestel, Dipl.Des., Dipl. B.K.

Around 30 children between the ages of 6 and 19 are in class each week. During the entire period, around 3,000 children and young people were taught.

In these 32 years, 28 graduates have started work in the gemstone industry, 3 of whom were national winners in the craft (gemstone engraving). Similarly, 34 students have passed the required university entrance examinations and have been able to start a course of study (teaching, design).

Engraving has been part of the curriculum since 2023. Already this year, one group won 3rd prize in the German Jewelry and Gemstone Award competition for young talent. Another team received an explicit commendation in 2024. In 2023, work also began on establishing an independent art section in the areas of stone, metal, sculpture and 3D design.

Since 2023, the local court has assigned young people to the school for community service who have been successfully integrated into the school. Some of them later volunteered to help with furnishing and renovation work.

It is noteworthy that 11 nations are currently represented among the pupils, thus making an important contribution to integration into society and the workplace.

The LAG Soziokultur und Kulturelle Bildung of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate has recognized the school as a unique selling point in the state for vocational orientation, education and permanent teaching.

The school has had to relocate several times in the past, which has led to considerable financial and logistical challenges. With the help of the sponsoring association, sponsors and
and parents, this huge effort could be accomplished.