Dorothée Steinmetz Brings Contemporary Art to Life at La Serre de Neugartheim

2. 2. A return to one’s roots in Neugartheim

Dorothée Steinmetz knows Neugartheim well. She grew up there before moving to Paris to pursue her studies, where she remained for over twenty years. It was in the capital that she developed a regular cultural life, frequenting exhibitions, theatres and arts venues.

Having returned to her home village a few months ago, she is now spearheading a unique project: bringing contemporary art to life in places where one might not necessarily expect to find it. This project is called La Serre, housed in a former farm building – more specifically, a former henhouse.

This choice is by no means trivial. For Dorothée, this venue helps to break down the sometimes intimidating conventions associated with contemporary art. “People won’t be afraid to step inside a chicken coop,” she sums up with a touch of humour.

Behind this remark lies a strong conviction: culture has every right to thrive in rural areas. It can become a wonderful tool for bringing people together, for sharing and for fostering openness.

2. 2. La Serre, a vibrant cultural venue in the heart of the Kochersberg

The name ‘La Serre’ encapsulates the spirit of the project all on its own. A greenhouse is a bright, transparent, welcoming space where life is constantly evolving. You enter it for the first time, then return a few days or weeks later: something has changed. The artworks, the perspectives, the exchanges, the atmosphere.

It is this experience that Dorothée wishes to offer in Neugartheim. At La Serre, the exhibition is not static. It unfolds in a simple, welcoming setting, far removed from the sometimes solemn atmosphere of museums or art centres.

Here, everyone should be able to feel at ease. Whether you come alone, with family, friends or neighbours, visitors are invited to look, feel, question, like or dislike. Contemporary art is not just for the initiated: it becomes an invitation to curiosity.

2. 2. Making contemporary art accessible to everyone

With *La Serre*, Dorothée Steinmetz envisages the kind of cultural venue she would have loved to grow up with: an accessible, open and vibrant space where people can discover works of art without feeling intimidated.

This commitment to accessibility lies at the heart of the project. For her, culture is for everyone. It does people good, broadens horizons, fosters dialogue and offers a fresh perspective on the world.

The works on display at La Serre meet the same high standards as those found in museums, art centres or public collections. Some have already been exhibited here; others may be shown here in the future. Here, there is no question of offering a less demanding cultural experience simply because we are in a rural setting. Quite the opposite: La Serre champions the idea that contemporary art has every right to be in Neugartheim, in the heart of the Kochersberg.

What changes is the setting. Visitors step into a former farm building – a simple, warm and welcoming space – where they feel freer to look, ask questions and engage in discussion. La Serre thus helps to break down some of the barriers associated with museums: if you feel at ease viewing the artworks here, then you will also feel confident visiting a museum or art centre in the future.

2. 2. A programme built around encounters

La Serre’s programme takes shape through encounters with artists, but it also follows a clear editorial direction: a documentary approach to contemporary art. The works on display explore reality, recount personal journeys, observe societal changes and highlight the issues that define our times.

This documentary dimension is characteristic of a significant part of today’s contemporary art. Through the works, themes such as memory, territories, human connections, social change and our relationship with the world are explored. La Serre thus offers a sensitive and accessible interpretation of deeply topical subjects.

La Serre also relies on collaborations with cultural organisations, notably the FRACs(Regional Contemporary Art Funds), one of whose missions is to circulate the works in their collections and make them accessible to all audiences.

Another key partnership is with La Conserverie, an archive dedicated to family photography. With its collection of tens of thousands of images, it helps forge meaningful links between personal memory, photographic heritage and the artistic gaze.

This approach resonates with all generations. Everyone can recognise themselves in an image, a pose or a memory. Culture thus becomes common ground, where personal experiences meet contemporary creation.

2. 2. A temporary, welcoming living space

La Serre is more than just an exhibition. Each edition combines artworks, workshops, meetings, moments of sharing and a friendly atmosphere. A refreshment bar, spaces for discussion, local collaborations: everything is designed to create a genuine, temporary community space at the heart of the local area.

Dorothée is committed to this participatory aspect. The aim is not simply to add yet another event, but to build on what already exists: local organisations, craftspeople, creators, residents and the region’s driving forces.

La Serre thus becomes a meeting place. Here, visitors discover artworks, of course, but also the people who bring the Kochersberg and the Pays de la Zorn to life.

Interactions with visitors enrich both the artists and the project team. The outreach takes the form of a dialogue, where everyone can share their feelings, interpretations, questions or moments of wonder.

2. 2. When art brings people together

Among the most memorable moments of this adventure, Dorothée recalls a visit from a family, one member of whom had probably never set foot in a museum before. Together, they explored the exhibition, discussed the artworks and shared their impressions.

This moment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of La Serre. It shows that you don’t need any special knowledge to engage with art. Sometimes all it takes is a welcoming space, a little curiosity and a shared moment.

For Dorothée, this is precisely where the strength of the project lies: in enabling everyone to experience culture, simply, at their own pace.

2. 2. The July issue: imagining tomorrow

The 2026 edition of La Serre will open its doors on Saturday 18 July in Neugartheim. It will take place over three weekends: 18 and 19 July, 25 and 26 July, and 1 and 2 August.

This new edition will mark the final instalment of a trilogy devoted to the theme of change. Following a first edition focused on introspection, then a second centred on each person’s place in a changing world, this third instalment will invite visitors to look to the future.

The theme: imagining tomorrow. Envisioning a desirable future. Taking a moment to reflect on what the world of tomorrow might look like.

A highlight will kick off the festival on 18 July: an astronomy evening organised in collaboration with the Némésis association, weather permitting.