History
A Brief Summary of the History of VDMFK
In 1947, Arnulf Erich Stegmann, himself a mouth painter, had a vision: to join forces with fellow artists who, like him, create their artworks using their mouth or foot.
Ten years later, in 1957, the first General Assembly was held in Vaduz, officially founding the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.
What began as one artist’s idea has grown into a worldwide community.
Besides President Arnulf Erich Stegmann, the Managing Board was composed of the artists Corry F. Riet from the Netherlands and Charles Pasche from Switzerland, as well as Legal Advisor Dr. Dr. Herbert Batliner.
Right at the beginning, an important milestone relating to the openness of the VDMFK was achieved through the following additional passage which was ncluded in the statutes: “The VDMFK has a neutral attitude with regard to eligious, philosophical and political beliefs. Any preferential treatment or iscrimination due to the religious, philosophical or political beliefs of a member is therefore impermissible.”
Thus, the Association formally showed its great espect for all disabled artists, irrespective from which part of the earth or cultural group they may come. Parallel to the General Assembly, art exhibitions and joint leisure activities were conducted. This supporting program was thus a fixed part of General Assemblies and Delegates’ Conventions right from the start.