Annex I National reports - Austria

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1 Annex I National reports - Austria NATIONAL REPORTS AUSTRIA SECTION I: Introduction Austria's geographical position at the heart of Central Europe, facing both East and West, has strongly determined its cultural policy. Austria shares borders with Western European and EU countries (Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Italy), as well as with Central European countries (Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic). Its history, therefore, shaped its strong position as a gateway and fosters Austria's transnational cultural cooperation. Other states, with which Austria has traditionally had close cultural links, are Poland, Israel, Croatia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Turkey. Austria's international cultural policy is also based on other geographical focus areas, including the global cultural centres (like Europe, London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Berlin), and development partners (southern Caucasus). Austria's international cultural policy is equally defined by thematic priorities, such as Europe and European Values, an analysis of and confrontation with its 20 th century history (e.g. stolen and displaced art, literature in exile, Jewish-Austrian traditions, the Habsburg myth, etc.), Culture for Enlargement (as a partner of its central European neighbours), and Culture for Stability (e.g. projects to strengthen democracy and civil society in the Balkans). Such priorities are based on the assumption that a new concept of transnational cultural cooperation is necessary to face the changes wrought in Europe since the Velvet Revolution of This year, which brought an end to the geopolitical division of Europe and Austria's accession to the EU in 1995, have impacted on its international cultural policy. The focus is on Austria's position in central Europe and its involvement in the diversity of European culture, thus making a contribution to the quality and pace of European integration. To achieve these goals, Austria tends to place increasing emphasis on cultural, educational and scientific contacts, and to make use of the respective strengths of existing multilateral opportunities for cooperation on cultural policy. In this area particular emphasis is to be placed on furthering the principles and interests of Austrian cultural policy within European institutions. SECTION II: Structures, Competences, Institutions Three ministerial bodies, their subordinate departments and their offices, are the main public sector structures for conducting transnational cultural cooperation. These are the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Culture, as well as the State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the 1

2 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 Federal Chancellery. The Federal Ministry of the Interior coordinates the Gedenkdiener (young Austrians who opted for the civilian alternative to military service and are sponsored by the government to work at Holocaust memorial sites), and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Labour is responsible for aspects of tourism and the film industry. Apart from these, several arm s-length organisations, the local authorities, and the national cultural institutes (now the Cultural Fora) have a remit to conduct transnational cultural cooperation. 1. Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs The conceptual and organisational management of Austria's international cultural policy is the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which is supported in the fulfilment of its aims by a comprehensive network of diplomatic missions and special institutions. The Ministry itself consists of seven departments, one of which is dedicated to Cultural, Educational and Scientific Affairs, subdivided into departments of foreign cultural policy making, the realisation of cultural events abroad, and cooperation and multilateral foreign affairs. In order to achieve the operational goals of Austria's international cultural policy, the existing policy instruments have recently been adapted in response to changing political, cultural and technological developments. These restructured working mechanisms are formulated in the policy document "The New Concept for International Cultural Policy" (2001), and were followed by the reorganisation of the National Cultural Institutes and the Culture Departments of the Austrian Embassies. In addition, the ministry supports diverse individual cultural projects with transnational relevance (in 2001, this sum totalled ). The ministry also promotes scientific projects, such as seminars and lectures abroad. Budget of the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs Operative budget for international cultural cooperation: 2001: 4,36 million Research scholarships for Austrian libraries 2% German language courses 2% Touring exhibitions 5% Individual exhibitions 19% Scientific lectures 4% Symposia, seminars 12% Events in the field of literature 6% Events in the field of music 19% Events in the field of theatre 8% Presentation of books and information 15% Film 2% Book campaigns 6% 1.1. Austrian Cultural Fora 2

3 Annex I National reports - Austria Formerly the Cultural Institutes and the Cultural Departments of the Austrian Embassies, these hubs of Austrian international cultural activity have now been reorganised to form 28 Cultural Fora (Kulturforen). In Europe there are Cultural Fora in the following cities: Belgrade, Berlin, Bern, Bratislava, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Kiev, Krakow Ljubljana, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Rome, Stockholm, Warsaw, and Zagreb. A unified corporate design (including logo) was developed for the Fora. With the exception of the institute in Rome, the cultural institutes were essentially created in four post-war phases to strengthen Austria's independent identity and present its international cultural policy agendas. They were either associated with the signing of the Austrian State Treaty (e.g. in Paris and London), established upon the commencement of a foreign policy focus on neighbouring states (Budapest, Warsaw, Zagreb), or designed to build upon relations with neighbouring states in Central Europe (Prague, Milan). The Fora are thus established in locations of particular interest to Austria's international cultural policy. Each Austrian Cultural Forum has its own infrastructure and competencies, allowing it to provide additional opportunities for the implementation of independent and often largescale projects and events to further the interests of cultural or foreign policy. They also provide an information and coordination service (some locations also have a library, media centre and publications forum), and give practical support for Austrian citizens involved in cultural activities Embassies, General Consulates, International Organisations The basic objectives and annual planning for cultural work in the host country are defined in agreement with the Directorate General for Cultural Policy at the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The cultural attachés at the respective embassies are responsible for initiating and organising projects and implementing the defined objectives. The cultural mandate applies to all overseas missions, which will therefore, like the "Cultural Fora", receive an annual cultural events budget to support their project work from 2001 onwards. They provide know-how, infrastructure and a constantly growing network of contacts to support Austria's international cultural policy. Their cultural work focuses on the presentation of Austrian culture, with the emphasis on the contemporary cultural scene, on cultural project management in partnership with the relevant institutions in the host country, on promoting interaction, on providing an information and service-point function for cultural affairs, and on contributing to the implementation of cultural agreements Austria Libraries The Austria Libraries, which have been established since 1989 in a current total of 50 locations, primarily in the eastern Central European area, represent an innovative and flexible instrument of Austrian international cultural policy. They exist on a partnership basis with local institutions (libraries and universities) in the respective host country and are located in cities where there is no Austrian diplomatic or consular mission, providing information on Austrian culture tailored to 3

4 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 the individual locations (books, videos, newspapers, journals and magazines, access to online media). They are in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Italy, Yugoslavia, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldavia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Hungary. 2. The State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery In 1997, the arts were transferred to the Federal Chancellery and assigned a State Secretary who is responsible for culture, arts, and media. The State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery is generally responsible for arts policies and laws, general cultural policy affairs, the promotion of the visual, performing, applied and fine arts, music, literature and publishing, cultural development, EU cultural affairs; bilateral and multilateral cultural affairs as well as for the Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI), the "Bundestheater"-Holding (Austrian Federal Theatres) and the association KulturKontakt. A main focus of the activities in the field of European cultural cooperation is in the support of training and mobility of artists via scholarships (as laid down in the Federal Arts Promotion Act adopted in 1988 ( 3 (2)). These include various residency programmes that provide funding for Austrian artists from all sectors to work abroad, or equally, for foreign artists, writers, architects, etc. to work in Austrian institutions for a given period. Another frequent form of support is the working scholarship, given out for preparing, conceptualising and realising artistic projects abroad, support of exhibitions and projects abroad via travel grants, or through the scholarship programme like "Pépinières europènnes pour les jeunes artistes", which is organised by the European association of the same name and involves several European cities, which provide the opportunity of a six-month stay for young European artists. The State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery also supports the presentation of Austrian films in a (European) festival via travel and material. In cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other institutions, the Department of Film and Media, Photography and Legal Matters of the Federal Chancellery organises and co-finances events with Austrian films abroad. It also gives out various prizes and state awards, generally for literature, translation, or journalism. The Federal Chancellery also supports further cultural projects with European (international) relevance. An annual report (Kunstbericht) published by the State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery gives information on state expenditure for the arts and cultural activities. A new system was set up in 1996 to provide as much transparency and comparability as possible especially between the expenditures of the Bundesländer (federal provinces) and those of the national government and organises the data by sector rather than by the administrative departments (LIKUS system). In the chapter on International Cultural Exchange the latest Kunstbericht cites a total of 1.4 million. 4

5 Annex I National reports - Austria 3. The Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Culture The Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Culture is generally in charge of culture, educational, school and university matters. It is responsible for museums and collections (including the Vienna cultural complex MuseumsQuartier), cultural heritage protection, EU funding programmes and international agendas (UNESCO), the National Library, Vienna Court Orchestra, Phonothek, public libraries, school libraries, folklore culture and restitution of cultural goods to the victims of the Nazi regime. The Federal Museums Act of 1998 grants full legal capacity to museums and turned them into scientific institutions under public law. The federal museums, however, are still under the authority of the Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Culture and receive basic grants from the Ministry. The international activities of the museums cover contacts with museums abroad through loans and exhibition cooperation. Some other branches and offices work abroad under the direction of the Federal Ministry for Education, Science, and Culture. There are branch offices of the Austrian Institute of East and Southeast European Studies in Brno, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Budapest and Sofia. The Commissioners for Education have offices in Brno, Bratislava, Budapest, Sarajevo, Sofia, St Petersburg, Zagreb, Skopje, Tirana, Bucharest and Belgrade; while Historical Institutes operate in Rome and Madrid, and an Archaeological Institution has its seat in Athens. There are also several Austrian Bilingual and International Schools abroad. The Ministry for Education, Science and Culture and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs share responsibility for several other institutions. The first are Austrian Centres and Chairs of Austrian studies, which have been established with Austrian support at a number of foreign institutions of higher education, which work together with Austrian universities or cultural institutions to promote scientific cooperation. In addition to their contribution in the field of science, they also present Austrian cultural, economic and political issues in the host country. Another Joint Initiative of the two Ministries is the Austrian-Ukrainian Co-operation Office for Science, Education and Culture. 4. Arm s-length organisations KulturKontakt (Centre for East-West Cultural Contacts) The KulturKontakt was founded in 1989 as an autonomous association by the former Ministry for Culture and the Arts as an interface between artists, sponsors and ministries. In 1990, the association was given the additional tasks of supporting and co-coordinating cultural projects with and in the countries of central, eastern and south-eastern Europe by way of cross-border cooperation and educational 5

6 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 reforms. It is funded from both the Ministry for Education, Science and Culture and the Federal Chancellery. The Austrian Cultural Service (Österreichischer Kulturservice ÖKS) The cultural service was established in 1977 on the initiative of the Ministry for Education, Science and Culture. The Austrian Cultural Service activities focus on the interfaces between arts, culture, and education across Austria as well as at European and international levels. The activities centre on concept development and the implementation of projects aiming to intensify the cooperation of arts and education at all expert levels. The Austrian Cultural Service organises projects in the fields of its core competence and participates in various networks at European level (e.g. EFAH, ELIA, and ENCATC). As part of these network activities, the Austrian Cultural Service conducts cultural and educational policy lobbying and promotes the exchange of information. Austrian Film Institute Based on the Film Subsidies Act, the Austrian Film Institute is the nation's film funding institution on the federal level. It works to support the production, dissemination and distribution of Austrian films with a potential for international recognition, to support the cultural, economic and international interests of the Austrian film industry, and to foster cooperation between the film and television industries. 5. The federal provinces (Bundesländer) and local authorities Austria is a federal state with nine federal provinces (Bundesländer: Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Vienna and Vorarlberg). The general clause of Article 15 of the constitutional law assigns most cultural competence to the provinces (an arrangement known as "cultural sovereignty"), while the federal government is expressly awarded competence for "sovereign" matters such as archives and libraries, collections and federal facilities (federal museums, the National Library), foundations and funds. There is a cultural department in the executive offices of each provincial government, sometimes combined with science and education. With the exception of Vienna, every Bundesland has its own cultural promotion Act, most of which were implemented during the 1980s. The cultural departments are mainly responsible for foreign cultural affairs, although other departments (like Departments for European Integration) may also be involved. The activities cover the organisation of events with transnational relevance, but also symposia and seminars (such as the European Forum Alpbach). Regional institutions (supported by the provincial governments) such as museums and galleries also conduct transnational cultural cooperation. In addition, the provincial governments also provide various scholarships for Austrian artists and for foreign artists studios in Austria. Generally, the provincial governments have a strong cultural link with their neighbouring regions (such as South-Tyrol Trentino) or they have cultural 6

7 Annex I National reports - Austria partnerships with selected regions. In addition, the governments participate in European cultural exchanges as member institutions of several transregional associations such as ARGE Working Communities (like Alps Adriatic Working Community Alpen-Adria, ARGE Alpenländer, ARGE Donauländer). The cultural departments of the Bundesländer also publish an annual report on their activities (by sectors according to the LIKUS-System see A/2). In some of these reports the international cultural activities are explicitly identified (Carinthia 2000: 39,826 Burgenland 2001: 57,050). Political responsibility for culture at the municipal level rests with either a city/town councillor or in smaller municipalities with the mayor. The majority of local government offices have cultural departments responsible for libraries, folklore and ensemble preservation. Communities with fewer than inhabitants generally have no culture department of their own. At city level, the European towntwinning initiative plays an important role. In addition, the Austrian Association of Towns (Österreichischer Städtebund) is also active in transnational cultural activities: among its general main tasks, this institution participates in the Committee of Regions and increasingly cooperates with eastern European countries, e.g. through the establishment of a Know-How Transfer Centre (decision makers, civil servants and experts from central and eastern European reform countries are given access to Austrian expertise at the public and private level). SECTION III: Documents, Legislation, and Agreements 1. Documents and Legislation In the field of culture and the arts the programme of the new Austrian government (in power since February 2003) provides the following points which can be seen as relevant to (international) cultural cooperation: Promotion of contemporary artists, especially their international presence improvement of the cultural relationships with the EU candidate countries and the south-eastern European countries in agreement with the other EU countries, the Austrian Government will be committed to excluding culture and the arts from the GATS negotiations Furthermore, the Federal Museum Act of 1998, under which the 10 federal museums are now considered to be scientific institutions under public law, provides that these museums foster and maintain exchanges with museums abroad in the fields of exhibitions and research. Equally, the federal theatres (Burgtheater and Akademietheater, Staatsoper und Volksoper), reorganised as limited companies under commercial law and under state ownership are to maintain and foster international theatre arts and culture, as provided in the Federal Theatre Organisation Act,

8 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 The Federal Arts Promotion Act adopted in 1988 generally includes the provision that the federal budget must include the requisite funds for public arts promotion and that the social situation of artists and the framework for private sponsoring need to be improved. A special provision in this framework stipulates the award of scholarships, especially for studies/activities abroad. At the provincial level, every Bundesland with the exception of Vienna has its own cultural promotion Act. cultural co-operation with other countries (regions) is explicitly provided for in the cultural promotion Acts of Lower Austria (1996) and Styria (1985), and the cultural promotion Act of Carinthia (2001) provides an outward opening and connection of the region s culture. The New Concept for International Cultural Policy, a policy document drawn up by the Foreign Ministry in March 2001, gives a series of new guidelines and directives. Amongst others, it effected the reorganisation of the cultural institutes and embassies into Cultural Fora. It names as its 10 Policy Principles: 1. International interest in Austrian culture demands an active international cultural policy 2. International cultural work is provided as a service for Austrian citizens engaged in cultural activities and their international partners 3. Austria's location must be used as a tool in foreign policy 4. The cultural basis of European integration must be strengthened 5. Structures must be flexible: "think global, act local" 6. International cultural policy exports innovation and tradition as an expression of the plurality of Austrian cultural activities 7. Our international institutions can provide competencies in specific areas 8. Austria's international cultural policy supports mobility in science and education 9. International policy is an active and creative element of Austrian cultural policy 10. International cultural policy ensures that Austria's international image is not shaped exclusively by the perceptions of others 2. Bi- and Multilateral Agreements 2.1. Bilateral Agreements There are three forms of bilateral agreements on culture: 8

9 Annex I National reports - Austria Bilateral Agreements on Culture Such agreements are of an official nature, and are implemented via working programmes. Altogether, Austria has made such agreements with 19 European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain) Informal arrangements on cultural cooperation On the one hand, there are memoranda of understanding, and on the other hand, following discussions with government officials, there are cultural scientific working programmes with Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland Agreements on academic- technical cooperation Such agreements exist with Bulgaria, France, Italy, Croatia, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Hungary. There are also bilateral agreements on film with Germany (1990), Switzerland (1990), France (1997), Spain (1970) and Italy (1968) The following is a list of bilateral agreements signed by Austria: Country BELGIUM BULGARIA Law (Source) BGBl. No. 35/1953 BGBl. No. 340/1974 Date of Implications Signature organisation of concerts, lectures, exhibitions and other artistic performances, distribution of books and periodicals, music supplies, artistic reproductions broadcasting access to libraries, archives and museum collections visits by experts in the field of theatre, film, library, museum and preservation organisation of concerts, festivals and competitions artists guest performances staging of exhibitions cooperation between broadcasters translation and publication of important literary, academic and artistic works contact between cultural institutions and associations 9

10 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 Country CZECH REPUBLIC FINLAND FRANCE GREAT BRITAIN HUNGARY Law (Source) BGBl. No. 586/1978 BGBL. No. 213/1979 BGBl. No. 220/1947 BGBl. No. 60/1953 BGBl. No. 519/1977 Date of Implications Signature access to cultural and scientific institutions, i.e. libraries, archives and museums contact and exchange of experts in the field of preservations, museum, theatre artists guest performances performances in the field of music and theatre staging of exhibitions translation of important literary, academic and artistic works visits by personalities active in the different fields of culture, arts and of culture journalists contact between cultural institutions and associations in the field of visual and applied arts, architecture and cooperation of relevant organisation and galleries cooperation between broadcasters and of the media cooperation in the field of film by visiting events, exchange of films, programmes and material, organisation of film events and cooperation between the relevant film organisations access to cultural and academic institutions, i.e. libraries, archives and museums cooperation, exchange of expert and information in library files, museums and institutions active in preservation staging of exhibitions artists guest performances in the field of music and theatre contact and exchange in the field of film cooperation between broadcasters establishment of a cultural institute in Vienna exchange of important persons active in the field of literature, arts, science or technique (lecturers, authors/writers, poets) theatre and ballet performances exhibitions of arts and books concerts of all kinds circulation and distribution of films, books and music translations broadcasting: cultural TV and radio programmes, especially literature, science, art and music establishment of cultural institutes in both countries dissemination of cultural issues via: books, periodicals and other publications lectures concerts exhibitions of arts and other exhibitions performances in the field of music and theatre radio, films, recordings, etc. from the other country establishment of cultural institutes in both countries translation of important literary, scientific and artistic 10

11 Annex I National reports - Austria Country Law (Source) Date of Signature Implications works contact between publishers, authors /writers and translators exchange of films and other AV-media cultural and academic contacts in border regions? cooperation between broadcasters ITALY BGBl.No. 270/1954 LUXEMBURG BGBl. No / BGBl. No. 588/ 1986 NORWAY POLAND PORTUGAL BGBl. No. 131/1973 BGBl. No. 434/1973 BGBl. No. 230/ establishment of a cultural institute in Vienna knowledge in the field of visual arts, music, theatre, film and broadcasting via: exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, performances of individual artists broadcasting programmes documentary and educational films loan agreements between libraries and archives dissemination of newspapers and periodicals cooperation and exchange of experts in the field of preservation cooperation and exchange of information between libraries visits of artists in the field of visual arts staging exhibitions in the field of visual arts activities in the field of music, exchange of musicians and composers exchange of authors for lectures and readings cooperation between theatres cooperation between organisations related to cultural and documentary films exchange of experts in the field of applied and visual arts, literature, music and film exchange of experts staging of cultural evens i.e. exhibitions and guest performances and promotion of co-operation between the specific institutions and organisations promotion of the knowledge of culture, language and literature of the other country promotion of contact in the field of literature, visual arts, music, performing arts, film and architecture, esp. exchange of artists, exchange of films, exchange of information between libraries, publishers and professional institutions staging of exhibitions translation and publication of important literary, academic and artistic works contact between publishers cooperation between broadcasters and the media contact between cultural institutions and associations cooperation between institutions in the field of libraries, museums, preservation and heritage cooperation in the field of information and 11

12 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 Country ROMANIA SLOVAKIA SLOVENIA Law (Source) BGBl. No. 140/1973 additional minute BGBl. No. 247/1975 BGBl. No. 170/2000 BGBl. No. III No. 90/2002 Date of Implications Signature documentation cooperation and exchange of experts. in the field of literature and arts staging of exhibitions, lectures and symposia access to cultural institutions, including archives cooperation between broadcasters and between press agencies cooperation between. libraries, archives and other cultural institutions cooperation in the field of heritage staging of exhibitions reciprocal exchange of literary and music works exchange of cultural and documentary films and similar media with cultural content exchange of personalities active in the cultural field exchange of musicians co-operation between broadcasters and between the media translation of important literary, scientific and musical works guest performances of artists organisation of concerts, festivals, theatre performances and other artistic performances staging of exhibitions contact and exchange of information in the field of film, photography, new technologies in the arts and AV media contact and exchange of information in the field of broadcasting, literature, translation and publishing cooperation and exchange of experts in the field of libraries, archives cooperation in the field of heritage and public museums and exchange of experts promotion for the development of culture of the minorities and activities of folk culture, associations and institutions cooperation within the framework of European projects and institutions visits by personalities active in the different fields of culture broadcasting: cultural TV and radio programmes, organisation of concerts, festivals and similar events guest performances of artists staging of exhibitions contact and exchange of information in the field of film, photography and AV media contact in the field of, literature, translation and publishing cooperation and exchange of experts in the field of libraries and archives, and co-operation and exchange of experts in the field of preservation and 12

13 Annex I National reports - Austria Country SPAIN Law (Source) BGBl. No. 480/1976 Date of Implications Signature museums contact in the field of nature and nature protection contact in the field of folk culture cooperation in the field of libraries and archives exchange of information in the field museums and preservation exchange of documentary and educational films and of other media with artistic content artists guest performances staging of exhibitions 2.2. Multilateral Agreements Austria has signed the major European Conventions, Charters, Treaties and Agreements, in total 21, since the European Cultural Convention of 1958 up to the Second Protocol for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Through its regional and local authorities, Austria is also engaged in multilateral regional cooperation, such as the ARGE Working Communities (like Alps Adriatic Working Community Alpen-Adria, ARGE Alpenländer, ARGE Donauländer). SECTION IV: Activities 1. Principal Activities 1.1. Training and Mobility A main focus of the activities in the field of European cultural cooperation is in the support of training and mobility of artists via scholarships (as laid down in the Federal Arts Promotion Act adopted in 1988 ( 3 (2). Many scholarships of importance are given out by the State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery. These include residency programmes for Austrian artists from all sectors to work abroad, or for foreign artists to work in Austrian institutions for a defined period. Another frequent form of support are scholarships to prepare, conceptualise and realise cultural projects abroad, the funding of exhibitions and projects abroad via travel grants, or through the awarding of prizes. The following is a selection of its offers: - Provision of a studio and scholarship for Austrian artists in Rome, Paris, Krumau and London. They are awarded by a jury for three to six months. - Artists in Residence: Invitation of foreign artists to the federal studio house for three months max. - Scholarships for young Austrian architects to work in architectural offices abroad. They are awarded by a jury. 13

14 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June scholarships per year for Austrian dancers to go abroad for a 10 month maximum - In cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other institutions, the Department of Film and Media of the Chancellery organises and co-finances events with Austrian films abroad, within the framework of Austrian Film Festivals. Austria further participates in several EU film-days. - Rome scholarships for Austrian writers including a free stay in a studio apartment in Rome (for three months a year max.) awarded by advisory councils on literature and children s/youth literature - translation prize for Austrian and foreign translators awarded by the advisory council on translation - Austrian State Award for European Literature: for a European writer whose (translated) work has attracted international attention - Trainee scholarships for the qualification of cultural executives (3-6 months) in European cultural institutions (like Kunsthaus Bethanien, Berlin; Dokumenta, Kassel) - European Diploma in Cultural Project Management, provided by the Marcel Hicter Foundation, 2 Austrian fellowships The Austrian Academic Exchange Service (Österreichischer Akademischer Auslands-dienst ÖAD) provides scholarships to foreign students. The proportion of foreign students at arts universities reaches 38.2%, with over 50% of the foreign students from EU countries, in particular Germany and Italy. There is a special programme, the Central Exchange Programme for University Studies (CEEPUS), for academic exchanges with eastern and south-eastern European countries, covering Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. The Austria Institute Ltd., a 100% publicly owned company, was created under Federal Law to provide a private law framework for the existing Austrian Germanlanguage courses run by the cultural institutes in various European locations. The new company was founded with the intention of introducing a higher level of professionalism, clear conditions of employment for the teaching staff in line with labour law and an organisational structure based on market economy principles. Currently, branch offices are in Milan, Bratislava, Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest Arts Production Projects are funded by the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery and by the Bundesländer. The State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery supports artistic cultural projects with a distinct international relevance. Major events and festivals in the various artistic fields (such as the Salzburger Festspiele (Salzburg Festival), the Viennale, Ars Electronica, Viennese Festival (Wiener Festwochen), etc.), further federal exhibitions, as well as the participation in the framework of bilateral agreements on culture and other events (Biennales and Triennials) are also included here. In 2000, the total spending was about 11.8 million. 14

15 Annex I National reports - Austria Music Various symposia and exhibitions (Athens, Moscow and Madrid) took place in 2001 on the occasion of the 50 th anniversary of Arnold Schönberg s death. Projects of classical music were and are mainly presented in countries outside Europe, because of Austria s image in this field. Further international concert activities of young musicians, such as the Klangforum Wien, or the Vienna Art Orchestra are supported. In future, the importance of jazz, cross-over music and DJ projects is due to increase. Literature and Theatre Promotion focuses strongly on contemporary Austrian dramatic art abroad (e.g. Thomas Bernhard, Peter Turrini, Elfriede Jelinek). Various productions and accompanying events were staged abroad on the occasion of the Year of Johann Nestroy in In the same year, young Austrian contemporary producers were invited to stage guest productions, in particular in the central and eastern European countries, which were supported by the Foreign Ministry and KulturKontakt. The international presence of Austrian choreographers and dancers is also promoted via guest performances. Author s readings and book presentations of new Austrian literature abroad are another form of transnational activity. In this context, the periodical New Books in German, which gives information on new German literature to publishers abroad, is supported by the Foreign Ministry and the Chancellery, which further supports the translation of living Austrian authors works. Cooperation between these and the association of Austrian book sellers has facilitated the presence of Austrian publishers and authors at international book fairs (Frankfurter Buchmesse, Leipziger Buchmesse, etc.) and literature festivals. Participating in translation programmes (such as In Transitum), KulturKontakt also supports the organisation of readings and authors meetings in cooperation with local organisers especially in eastern Europe, and publications (catalogues, translations and publications of the literary exchange) are also supported by this institution. Visual Arts The main focus is the presentation of Austrian visual arts of the 20 th century abroad. In this respect various exhibitions have been organised abroad, mainly in the premises of the Austrian Cultural Fora (such as London and Paris). The State Secretariat for the Arts and Media in the Federal Chancellery further provides scholarships for international exchange for artists Research Mediacult (International Research Institute for Media, Communication and Cultural Development) is an institution with a research focus on new communication technologies in the arts, the global and the national music market, cultural policy and cultural development Österreichische Kulturdokumentation (Austrian Cultural Documentation) is an Institute for applied cultural research and cultural documentation, which documents and analyses the significant national, European, and international 15

16 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 developments in culture, cultural policy and cultural research across the different fields. The Institute of Cultural Management is an institute of the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, and led by Franz Otto Hofecker (he is the austrian expert for EUROSTAT). It conducts research into cultural management and finance Restoration and Heritage Preservation The Ministry for Education, Science and Culture is a member institution of the CC PAT Council of Europe committee regarding questions of cultural heritage, ICCROM (International Centre for the Preservation and Conservation of Cultural Property), and ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). The state also gives aid to the reform states (eastern-european state aid) to finance diverse restoration projects in eastern European countries. The Ministry also supports the European Centre for professions in restoration in Venice through a scholarship for an Austrian participant. 2. National Cultural Institutes operating in Austria The following European cultural institutes are active in the cultural field in Austria: the British Council (about 48 events a year), the Slovakian Institute, the French Cultural Institute (with offices in Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck), the Bulgarian Cultural Institute ( Wittgenstein House ), the Spanish Instituto Cervantes, the Italian Cultural Institute (with offices in Vienna and Innsbruck), the Polish Institute, the Hungarian Cultural Institute ( Collegium Hungaricum ), and the Russian Cultural Institute. As well as offering language courses, these institutions are also active in the cultural field providing information on the countries cultural affairs. Their main activities are the organisation of events such as lectures, seminars, concerts, exhibitions etc. in the various (contemporary) artistic fields such as music, literature, arts, film, photography, that are relevant to the respective countries. Mostly, these events are held in the premises of the institutes, but they are also held in cooperation with other cultural institutions (e.g. museums, exhibition halls, cinemas etc.) in Vienna and other Austrian cities. Information on current cultural activities is disseminated via the internet or publications. In addition, the cultural institutes host a library (mediathek) and offer information services regarding the country in general. The British Council The British Council in Austria is active in various fields; it works in cooperation with Austrian arts promoters to establish contact between British and Austrian artists and arts administrators, and to give access to the best of contemporary British artistic achievement. Further it hosts a library, Information Centre and Examinations Department. With the Austrian Ministry of Research, the British Council funds exploratory visits for Joint Research projects between British and Austrian teams (ARC programme), and promotes the annual Science Days for discussion of communal issues. In the field of arts, about 18 art events were supported or 16

17 Annex I National reports - Austria managed by the BC in Austria (April 2001 to March 2002). This year, "Graz 2003" (Graz is the Cultural Capital of Europe 2003) is a special focus for the activities of the British Council. Slovakian Cultural Institute In the field of culture, the Slovakian Cultural Institute provides information, and organises events in the sectors relevant to Slovakia at a given period. Mostly these events are held in the premises of the institute, but they are also held in cooperation with other cultural institutions, in and outside of Vienna. Information on current cultural activities is disseminated by publications (folders, invitations). In addition, the cultural institute hosts a library and offers information services regarding the country in general. French Cultural Institute The French Cultural Institute in Vienna, which also has offices in Graz and Innsbruck offers language courses, cultural events, and seminars. It hosts a library and an exhibition room for contemporary arts with the focus on confrontation between French and Austrian arts. The österreichische mediathek offers audiovisual materials in the French language, french videos and CDs with French music. Bulgarian Cultural Institute The Bulgarian Cultural Institute hosts a room for concerts and theatre performances of Bulgarian artists. The Institute further organises various seminars and lectures. In 2002, more than 30 artists from Bulgaria and also from other European countries presented their works in the premises of the institute. A main task of the institute is the promotion of international contemporary cultural exchange between Austria and Bulgaria and other (European) countries. Collegium Hungaricum The Hungarian Cultural Institute (Collegium Hungaricum) organises diverse cultural events like exhibitions, lectures, readings, concerts, film, programmes for children etc. partly in cooperation with institutions in Austria. As another focus the institute is in charge of postgraduate scholarship holders and thereby also promotes scientific exchange. Instituto Cervantes The Spanish Cultural Institute s main tasks are the promotion of Spanish language courses and the dissemination abroad of the culture of all Spanish speaking countries It has existed since 1991 and also hosts a library and an information centre. A main activity is the organisation of cultural events like concerts, exhibitions, films and seminars. Italian Cultural Institute The Italian Cultural Institute Vienna, which also has an office in Innsbruck, is active in the cultural field through the organisation of its own events and cooperation activities with cultural institutions in Austria concerning cultural programmes with reference to Italy: music, film, theatre, literature, exhibitions and seminars. It also hosts a library and an information service. 17

18 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 Polish Cultural Institute The Polish Cultural Institute was founded in Its main task is the dissemination of information on Polish culture (and the country in general). The events take place in German, and the publications are also printed in the German language. The institute organises events like exhibitions or concerts in the field of music, literature, film etc., but also seminars and lectures mainly in their premises. In 2002, the Polish Cultural Institute together with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs organised or supported various events in the framework of the Polish Year in Austria. The institute also provides a library and information service. Russian Cultural Institute The Russian Cultural Institute organises cultural events and holds seminars. It also has a gallery, a library, provides language courses, and offers information on politics, economics, and culture in Russia. 3. Forthcoming Activities in Austria, The following is a selection of important future events. Graz Cultural Capital of Europe, 2003 Vienna International Jazz Festival, June-July 2003, annual Salzburg Festival, 6-9 June 2003, annual The Salzburg Festival is often described as the greatest and best-known musical and theatrical event in the world, it presents performances of opera, plays and concerts of the highest artistic standards over a period of five to six weeks each summer. The team of the Salzburg Festival adheres more closely to the ideas of the original founders. The classical heritage should be conveyed to meet the needs of a modern-day audience, the great works of the 20th century should be presented in top-quality productions and contemporary music and drama should feature strongly in the programme. Wiener Festwochen (Vienna International Festival), summer, annual Each year between May and June a festival of theatre, music and dance productions arranged by famous artist from around the world. The content of the productions ranges from classical baroque concerts to modern dance and comical theatre performances. Bruckner Festival, Linz, autumm, annual The International Bruckner Festival, named after the classical composer, is held annually every autumn - from the middle of September to the beginning of October. Vienna International Percussion Festival,

19 Annex I National reports - Austria Exhibition Die Zukunft der Natur (The Future of Nature) in Tyrol together with the regions Alto-Adige and Trentino, 2005 Diverse events on the occasion of the jubilee of the 250 th birthday of W.A.Mozart, Websites of interest (selection) Server with database containing all laws: Federal Chancellery. Arts Department Federal Ministry for Education, Science and Culture Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Austrian libraries: KulturKontakt: Oesterreichischer Kultur Service (ÖKS): Österreichisches Filminstitut/Austrian Film Institute: Austrian Association of Towns: Interkulturelles Zentrum: Zentrum für Österreichstudien: Mediacult: Österreichische Kulturdokumentation.Internationales Archiv für Kulturanalysen 19

20 Study on Cultural Cooperation in Europe Interarts and EFAH June 2003 BELGIUM GENERAL INTRODUCTION A federal country, Belgium is divided into 3 regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels) and 3 linguistic communities (Flemish, French and German-speaking communities), each with their own competence for self-governance. Regions are responsible for matters relating to the territory, including the economy, environment, housing and employment. Communities are responsible for culture, education, some aspects of health and welfare, language use and intercommunity cooperation. Since 1993, Regions and Communities enjoy self-government in the field of international cooperation and are authorised to engage in international agreements and to sign treaties with foreign governments at the local, regional and national level. Attendance at the EU s Council of Ministers and international bodies is undertaken by each Community s ministers on a rotating basis. There is a clear division in the legislative responsibility over culture issues. The federal government has competence over social security, taxation and copyright issues and the 3 linguistic communities have competence over general legislation and policy making for culture. In the issues concerning international culture cooperation, and due to the lack of a federal responsible for culture, the Community Ministers responsible for culture, rotate their participation on European Councils and international bodies. In this aspect, the Belgian constitution is very clear by delegating (art ) to the French and Dutch community councils competencies in the area of cultural issues, including the establishment of intercommunity and international cooperation relations. The Federal state is responsible for cultural institutions of national importance including the Monnaie Opera House, the National Orchestra, the Paleis voor Schone Kunsten/Palais des Beaux Arts, the Royal Museum of Art and History (which includes the Musical Instrument Museum), the Royal Museum of Central Africa, the Museum of Ancient & Modern Art, the Royal Institute of Artistic Heritage, the General Archives and the Royal Library, as well as for certain policy areas related to culture, including labour law, social security, taxation and intellectual property rights. Regions are responsible for monuments and landscapes. The basic principles to be followed in cultural policy by the three communities are laid down by the Cultural Pact Act of 1973 which is administered by the Federal state. It also sets out a compulsory consultative process, including the setting up of Councils or Commissions, to ensure that all political and minority voices are heard and integrated into policy development and implementation. A permanent national commission ensures that guarantees contained within the Pact, including the rights of minorities, are respected by all federated bodies. Interministerial coordination between federated bodies takes place on a regular basis in a number of fields related to culture, including foreign affairs, education, employment, environment, media, mobility, tourism, etc. 20