According to the ideas of it’s board, a transition period should enable the Bank Austria Kunstforum to wind down in an orderly manner or to restart under different conditions. “The minimum must be a period of 12 to 18 months.This would also minimize possible penalty payments,” said board member Christian Rainer to the APA.
In an interview with the APA, the former “profil” boss sharply criticized the raid-like approach of Unicredit Bank Austria: “I don’t understand it at all.” In view of the bank’s high profits, such a measure, which involves a single-digit million amount, is just as incomprehensible as the reason it made public that the loss of a Signa sponsorship would not allow continued operations for economic reasons: “With René Benko, that is the case “nothing to do at all,” said Rainer. He also pointed out that assurances from Unicredit in Germany, where it is aiming to take over Commerzbank, that it has great respect for locally grown cultures and structures seemed like mere lip service in view of the actions in Vienna.
Board advocates central location
The board of the art forum,which also includes the former president of the Salzburg Festival,Helga Rabl-Stadler,and ex-federal president Heinz Fischer,can not only imagine a new supporting structure for the art forum,but also a new location. “The only important thing is a central location that is easily accessible on foot.” Whether the building on Freyung that was most recently owned by signa can continue to be used depends primarily on the future owner of the property.
The exhibition “gauguin – Unexpected” is scheduled to run until January 19th at the kunstforum, and a large show on the photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn is scheduled to open on February 15th. Unicredit bank austria recently said that it wanted to enable exhibition operations until the summer break of 2025. A major show about the performance artist Marina Abramović is scheduled for October 2nd.
Around 230,000 visitors per year
The entirely privately financed art forum was opened in 1980 as the Landesbank art forum and has since been rebuilt and renamed several times. With around 170 exhibitions so far,the company says it has reached more than eight million people. Most recently there were around 230,000 visitors per year.
(S E R V I C E – www.kunstforumwien.at)
How does Bank Austria kunstforum plan to engage with the community during its transition period?
Q&A with Christian Rainer: Navigating the Future of Bank Austria Kunstforum
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Christian. There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the future of Bank Austria Kunstforum.can you explain the board’s rationale behind advocating for a transition period of 12 to 18 months?
Christian Rainer: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The board feels that a transition period is essential not only for an orderly winding down if that becomes necessary, but also for the possibility of a fresh restart under more favorable conditions. This timeline is crucial as it minimizes potential penalty payments and provides us the prospect to explore new structural supports for the Kunstforum.
Editor: This approach seems to be a pushback against Unicredit’s recent actions. You mentioned in a previous statement that you found their raid-like approach quite perplexing. Can you elaborate on that?
Christian Rainer: Yes, indeed. It is difficult to comprehend how a bank, making considerable profits, would take such drastic measures over a relatively small financial amount. Their claims that losing the Signa sponsorship would jeopardize continued operations seem unfounded—rené Benko’s involvement should not be the reason for narrowing our options. Furthermore,their assurances in Germany regarding respect for local cultures starkly contrast with their recent actions here in Vienna.
Editor: It’s interesting to see such a strong stance from the board considering financial pressures. Can you tell us more about the potential for a new location for the Kunstforum?
Christian Rainer: The board is certainly open to exploring a new supporting structure and location for the Kunstforum.The key factor is ensuring the new site is centrally located and easily accessible on foot. This accessibility is essential for continuing to engage the public and maintain our visitor numbers, wich currently sit at around 230,000 annually.
Editor: Speaking of visitor numbers, the Kunstforum has been a significant cultural institution as its opening in 1980. With over 170 exhibitions and more than eight million visitors, what role do you believe it plays in the contemporary art scene?
Christian rainer: The Kunstforum is vital to the cultural landscape. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists and has played a significant role in introducing diverse artistic expressions to the public. Current exhibitions, like “Gauguin – Unexpected,” and upcoming shows featuring prominent figures such as Marina Abramović, underline our commitment to fostering an recognition for art in the community.
Editor: As we look ahead, what advice would you give to art institutions facing similar challenges as Bank Austria Kunstforum?
Christian Rainer: My primary advice would be to cultivate resilience and remain adaptable. Engaging with the community and forming partnerships can also bolster support. It’s important that institutions emphasize their value to the public—both economically and culturally. Open dialog with stakeholders, as we are doing now, can lead to innovative solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Christian. Your perspective on the future of Bank Austria Kunstforum is invaluable, and it’s clear that with the right approach, there can be positive outcomes ahead.
Christian Rainer: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how we can continue to contribute to the vibrant art scene in Vienna.