The kunstfenster ("art window") of the a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne (formerly the a.r.t.e.s. galerie) was created in 2009 by doctoral students of the former a.r.t.e.s. Research School. Developed as a doctoral project, today the kunstfenster is an integral part of the a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School and thus the University of Cologne at large.

In light of this academic tradition, the kunstfenster does not merely make use of the university’s facilities as exhibition spaces, but it also fosters dialogue between the arts and academia. To this end, each semester the kunstfester provides young artists with a venue and the opportunity to present and share their work. Through these exhibitions, artists have the opportunity to present individual and group projects which are open to viewing by both the university community and members of the public. These exhibitions are rung in with a preview event and are accompanied by programs, fliers, and posters, as well as posting on the websites of the university and the graduate school, in order to announce any upcoming exhibitions. These exhibitions are always accompanied by a catalogue which explores both the artistic and academic aspects of the kunstfenster.