Kunstraum 34

Kunstraum 34 is a non-profit art association in downtown Stuttgart. It was founded in 1982 and managed ever since by the artists working there. For over four decades, the association has been promoting local and international exhibitions and events in the field of contemporary art and music. Its commitment to exhibiting time-based, experimental, and interdisciplinary projects makes the association an exciting interface with other institutions in Stuttgart’s cultural scene. Since 2023, we have supported the association with extensive cultural design measures such as a visual identity, website, and the design of ephemera for exhibition projects.

The bespoke logotype for Kunstraum 34

The identity grows out of the association’s largest exhibition space, the vaulted cellar. Referencing its architecture, the logo incorporates two arch forms that define the visual foundation of the system. A deliberately reduced palette of typefaces shapes the design language, while different combinations are applied across individual projects. As a result, the posters and flyers use typography as both image and information. This creates a balance between character and clarity while ensuring recognition. Within this framework, Klangraum stands out as a recurring programme strand. As the association’s annual festival for new music and experimental performance, it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.

Various Kunstraum 34 flyers with bold typographic layouts arranged on dark draped fabric as part of their cultural identity
Various flyers 2023–2025

The posters

The posters play a vital role in shaping the identity. Each exhibition receives its own poster, while the informational layer remains consistent throughout. Although the content changes, the underlying grid stays fixed. At the same time, the visual layer responds to each artist individually. It shifts between typographic illustration, photography, or a combination of both, and is usually printed in two spot colours.

Poster for “Synchronized Collapse” by Wagehe Raufi and Martin Dörr, with blue layered typography on a grey background
Poster for “Mould Takeover,” combining large green type with a grainy circular image on a dark green background
Poster for Klangraum, Kunstraum 34’s festival for experimental music and performance, with black typography over a pale grey patterned background
Poster for “Hammerspace,” featuring oversized pink three-dimensional letters and small event details on a light grey background
Poster for “Happy Together,” with large white lettering covered by orange and purple dot patterns on black
Poster for Studio 34 performances, using bold black-and-white typography arranged in a rigid modular grid

Klangraum

Klangraum forms another strand within the overall identity of Kunstraum 34. The association organises it annually as a long-running festival for experimental music and performance. In doing so, it extends the programme beyond exhibitions into the sonic and performative realm. At the same time, it operates as a distinct endeavour within the broader visual identity. It remains clearly connected to Kunstraum 34, while standing out as its own recurring format with a specific cultural identity focus.

Fold-out programme for the 40th Klangraum festival, printed in bright pink with photographs, schedules, and experimental typography
Series of pink Klangraum posters installed on a street poster wall in Stuttgart
Close-up of a printed Klangraum poster showing pink gradients, halftone texture, and black typographic details

On the website, we focus on the association’s program and the forty-year history of K34. Not only does it provide information about the association and its upcoming activities, but an archive also offers comprehensive information about past events. Thanks to a mobile-first approach, the website is optimized for mobile devices.

Client:

 Kunstraum 34

URL:

 http://www.kunstraum34.de

Studio Tillack Knöll is a multicreative design practice that concerns itself with the visual and spatial aspects of communication. We design exhibitions, wayfinding systems, books, posters and cultural identities for a variety of clients involved in architecture, art, science and commerce to cultural institutions and NGOs.