ünstlerstadt Gmünd

For twenty years the “Kulturinitative” has been promoting arts and culture in Kärnten. For the last 20 years Gmünd has been renowned throughout the region as a centre for Art and Culture.

Exhibitions from National and International artists as well as craft workers and writers are featured throughout the continually expanding program. The “Alte Burg” (the old castle) hosts an extensive program of literature, musicals, cabaret and recitals. Thanks to the foresight, help and promotion from the local people, local business and private contributors; Gmünd is today renowned as a centre for Art and Culture.

Development:
The objective for 20 years has been to develop the medieval old town into a centre for Art and Culture. The “Kulturinitiative” in conjunction with the regional development organisation have supported this plan through to its success as it is today.

Since the beginning, the revival of the town into a cultural centre has been the main objective. Since the beginning the conditions and principals for the development were and still are;

To retain the flair, charm and ambiance of the town whilst adapting, restoring and developing some of the historic buildings into art galleries, studios and exhibition halls. The International Studio “Maltator” houses guest artists who visit Gmünd and exhibit their works. Others include, The Galerie, Malwerkstätte and the Kunsthandwerks house. The “Alte Burg” (the old castle) has been restored to a magnificent event centre hosting regular cultural events.
To create an interesting and wide variety of events covering all areas of art and culture.
To promote and support resident artists in the locality and nationally.
To work in conjunction with national and international agencies at promoting Gmünd as a centre for art and culture through interesting and rewarding exhibitions.
To work together with the cultural office and the “Kulturinitiative” at supporting the efforts of the dedicated staff responsible for organising the programs.

The local people have supported art and culture tremendously. Thanks to their continued involvement and participation they have helped ensure the event programs are supported and enjoyed. The monthly publication of the event program which stretches from Gmünd to neighbouring towns in Upper Carinthia has a distribution list of 1600. The cultural calendar is distributed to the local and surrounding areas of Lieser Maltatal providing each household and local business with a month on month view of scheduled events. Thanks to the financial support from the business environment this calendar has proved to be a very important household entertainment tool.

From the beginning the fundamentals of this project were to promote Gmünd as a centre for art and culture as well as educating and providing the people of Gmünd with an improved quality of life. From this improved revival Gmünd is now recognised though out the region and holds a special identity in terms of art and culture.

How does the “Kulturinitative” work

Created for the benefit of the public, with active representation from local business and council the “Kulturinitative” to date has approximately 350 contributors. Fifteen of those contributors have been involved in the project form the initial concept stage through to production continually dedicating their time and efforts to support the project.

Recognition

 The work of the “Kulturinitative” has received the following recognition to date;
 1998 Presidents prize for innovative work in terms of culture
1999 Prize awarded to the “Kulturstadt Gmünd”
2000 European prize awarded for recognition in the arts, culture with different economic factors.
2001 Fritz Russ resident artist in Gmünd was awarded a prize of excellence for his metal work and sculpture.
2004 A survey completed by all citizens in Gmünd and the local area revealed that Art and culture is one of the most important features in the town.

 Sculpture Project on the Motorway
 As well as implementation of the 2006 program the “Kulturinitative” aims to continually create awareness by attracting attention from outside the country boundaries. With the above in mind it remains focussed on the following;
Application for membership of the european artists town association (Artists Villages). With this membership Gmünd would officially be the only artists town in Austria. Involvement in the project “Land schafft Kultur – Kultur schafft Land” (Land creates culture – culture creates land).
Given the heavy traffic using the A10 motorway interesting sculptures and advertising props have been strategically positioned along the motorway in either direction enticing passers-by into the area.

 ”A whole town becomes an artist’s stage!”

With the above solgan it symbolises a wide variety of events exhibitions and attractions the town has an offer.
This year the local clubs and its members have created a fully packed programme. With events in the local galleries ranging from visits from various international guest artists to Jazz, Literature, children’s activities and open-air cinema the programme grows and grows.