“Kulturlandretten”: A Call to Save Cultural Land

Under the banner of “Kulturlandretten,” meaning “Save Cultural Land,” protesters gathered at Europaplatz, near Graz Central Station, before proceeding to Hauptplatz, the city’s main square. The demonstration brought together a diverse coalition of cultural organizations, initiatives, and concerned citizens, including representatives from UA ESC Media Kunst Labor, Rotor, das andere Theater Graz, and literary magazines like manuscripts and perspective.

Organizers emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We demonstrate because blue-black saves the art and cultural scene very badly. We don’t want to put up with that. But it is also about the political and atmospheric situation and what we need,” according to a spokeswoman for “offensive to the right.” This sentiment mirrors anxieties felt by arts communities across the U.S., where funding cuts often disproportionately impact smaller, self-reliant organizations.

Voices of the Artists: Diversity, Freedom, and Discourse

Demonstrators carried signs and banners emblazoned with messages such as “We need cultural diversity,” “We need free scene,” “We need on screen breaks,” “Stages,” “Poetry,” “Art without borders,” and “New traditions.”

Evelyn Schalk from the Wandzeitung “Ausziser,” whose state funding was canceled, articulated the vital role of art in society: “art is a discourse and we need that more than ever today.” This resonates with the U.S. context, where artistic expression is frequently enough seen as a critical tool for social commentary and change. A demonstrator further emphasized, “We want to save the free scene. It would be a shame for everything we built in years,” reflecting a deep concern for the preservation of independent artistic endeavors.

Art is a discourse and we need that more than ever today.

Evelyn Schalk from the Wandzeitung “Ausziser”

The peaceful march proceeded from Europaplatz, through Annenstrasse and South Tyroleans, to neutorgasse and Schmiedgasse, culminating in Hauptplatz. Police confirmed that the number of participants far exceeded the initially anticipated 500, reaching approximately 2,500. The demonstration caused temporary disruptions to public transportation in the city center.

Open Letter and Political Fallout

The protests were fueled by an open letter addressed to Cultural Councilor Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP) and Governor Mario Kunasek (FPÖ), who oversees folk culture. The letter, signed by around 1,000 members of the cultural community, criticized the “very surprising line -up” of the cultural board, alleging that appointments were based on party affiliation rather than professional qualifications. The letter also expressed concern that certain board members had “close proximity to the right -wing extremist scene” and that the board as a whole “in no way reflects the complexity of the cultural field.”

The signatories voiced apprehension about potential funding cuts and deletions, which they feared would jeopardize “sometimes renowned initiatives that were built up for many years.” similar concerns are frequently raised in the U.S.when arts funding is threatened, with critics arguing that such cuts stifle creativity and limit access to cultural experiences for underserved communities.

kornhäusl responded in writing, asserting that “none of the eight personalities I nominated had a right -wing extremist proximity in any form.” He defended his choices, citing their “profound and professional work,” and suggested that individuals “who are not directly part of the scene” could offer a “new, neutral and overall view of the search for conveyors” during strained budget times.

This justification echoes arguments sometimes heard in the U.S., where proponents of alternative funding models suggest that individuals from outside the conventional arts establishment can bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to resource allocation. However, critics often counter that such arguments undervalue the expertise and experience of those deeply embedded in the arts community.

None of the eight personalities I nominated had a right -wing extremist proximity in any form.

Karlheinz Kornhäusl, Cultural Councilor

Looking Ahead: Dialog and Uncertainty

The State Council emphasized that “the current recommendations that contain deletions and cuts were recommended by the outgoing board of trustees.” He clarified that he had onyl adjusted the cuts to “be more concerned with those supporters who have already had a valid several years of support.”

The regional council stated, “We all want a strong and diverse styrian cultural landscape that enables open discourse and thus help shape social progress. Thus, I will have further discussions with numerous creative artists in the next few weeks to intensify the dialogue with the free scene.” This commitment to dialogue is a positive step, but the future of Styria’s cultural landscape remains uncertain.

This situation provides a valuable case study for arts communities in the U.S., highlighting the importance of advocacy, community engagement, and transparent decision-making in protecting cultural funding and ensuring the vibrancy of artistic expression. As American arts organizations face their own challenges, the events in Styria serve as a reminder of the ongoing need to champion the arts and defend their vital role in society.

Impact on the US Cultural Sector

The controversy in Styria carries lessons for the U.S. cultural sector, particularly in how funding cuts affect the arts.