Who We Are
Guiding Ideas
The Toepfer Foundation's self-image is based on three guiding principles: Accompany biographies, dare change, give space. These principles are both an aspiration and an obligation for our foundation's work. Some of our programs combine all three principles, while other projects follow only one guiding principle. They are always present.
Accompanying biographies
We support and accompany outstanding, intelligent, committed individuals in various phases of their lives, thus providing impetus for social change. Linked to this is the aspiration to discover talent at the right time and encourage people to take new steps. "Culture means paying attention to the individual," foundation award winner Andrei Plesu once said. We understand this as a mission. We treat the scholarship holders, award winners and others supported by the Foundation with appreciation and curiosity. We support them as advisors and integrate them into effective networks.
Daring change
We are convinced that the willingness to experiment and the courage to take risks are crucial for the future viability of society. In clearly defined thematic areas, we want to bring about changes with a model character, for example in the development and design of local educational landscapes, future-oriented land use or contemporary concert formats. Pioneers with new ideas are needed here. At the same time, we attach importance to carefully selecting the topics addressed so that we can generate impact and change even with limited resources.
Giving space
We are happy to be generous hosts and make the Foundation's various locations available as a forum for meeting, discussion or reflection, as a stage or salon. In addition to the office in the Georgshof and the Museum für Hamburgische Geschichtchen, the seminar center Gut Siggen is of particular importance for the Foundation's work.