Styria Summit in the cash hall with its wonderful dome in the former Landesbank building in downtown Vienna, built in the 1880s according to the plans of Otto Wagner. It was there that Vice Chancellor and current Minister of Culture Werner Kogler (Greens) summed up Thomas Bernhard yesterday evening: “You must have been in Graz,” he said. Because: The special relationship between culture and politics has been a tradition in Styria for more than half a century. “Culture is much more than just finery or a sidecar,” emphasized Kogler. “You let these strange people do what they do and support them as much as possible,” he said with a wink. Even if you don’t know what the outcome will be or the result “may hurt a little”. All of this will become “more difficult” in the future.
The program included the presentation of the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, 1st Class, to cultural manager Bernhard Rinner, who has been managing director of the Graz theaters for ten years, which includes the opera, theater, Next Liberty, theaters and art + event theater service. He is the general secretary of the theater preservation association of Austrian states and cities and, among other things, initiated the Klanglicht in Graz. LH Christopher Drexler praised his “good friend” in his laudatory speech as an “impulse giver”, “bridge builder” and “champion of the fine arts” in Graz and beyond.
But the evening, along with many words of appreciation and thanks – a few weeks after the National Council election and a few days after the Styrian state election and against the backdrop of a possible FPÖ state governor – mutated into a fiery, cultural-political plea for the freedom of art. And in order to continue to uphold this tradition – “this Styrian openness, liberality, special breadth and diversity” must have a place, said the Minister of Culture.
The honoree thanked his employees, his family and his friends. And he reported on the recent theater meeting in Prague, where they had to move after the Slovak government fired the head of the National Theater while he was on sick leave and in a bathrobe. Just a few kilometers away from us, says Rinner, colleagues in Slovakia and Hungary are working under reprisals. Now what does that mean? “Despite or because of the elections, I will do everything I can to ensure that everything can be said on our stages and, in the context of freedom of art and freedom of expression, everything must be said.”
He formulated the final words of his acceptance speech as follows: “You beautiful art, I love you! You high politics, thank you!” And for that he received strong applause from the former LHs Hermann Schützenhöfer (ÖVP) and Voves (SPÖ) including women, Federal Theater Holding boss Christian Kircher, Education Minister Martin Polaschek, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, and the Court of Auditors -President Margit Kraker, opera director Ulrich Lenz, theater director Andrea Vilter, Next Liberty director Michael Schilhan, Styria board chairman Markus Mair, ex-Kunsthaus director Peter Pakesch, actress Aglaia Szyszkowitz, historian Helmut Konrad, the Opernredoute makers Wolfgang Hülbing, Bernd Pürcher and Rinner’s family and many employees.
**Given the global rise of populism and its potential to restrict artistic expression, what concrete steps can artists and cultural institutions take to advocate for their right to free expression and ensure their voices are heard?**
## World Today News Interview: Culture, Politics, and the Future of Artistic Freedom
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the most pressing issues shaping our world. Tonight, we’re exploring the intersection of culture and politics in Austria, in light of a recent event honoring cultural manager Bernhard Rinner. Joining us are two esteemed guests: [**Guest 1 name and credentials e.g. Dr. Anna Schmidt, Art Historian**] and [**Guest 2 name and credentials e.g. Peter Meyer, Political Analyst**].
**Section 1: The Styrian Legacy: Culture as a Cornerstone**
* Minister Kogler emphasized the “special relationship” between culture and politics in Styria. Do you agree with this assessment? How has this relationship manifested historically in Styria, and why is it significant?
* Rinner was lauded for his contributions to the Graz theater scene. What are some notable examples of how cultural institutions like theaters can be drivers of societal change and reflection?
* Guest 1, how does this Styrian tradition compare to other regions in Austria or internationally? Are there unique lessons to be learned from this model?
**Section 2: A Plea for Artistic Freedom: The Stakes Are High**
* Rinner’s acceptance speech took on a particularly pointed tone against the backdrop of recent elections and the rise of populist movements across Europe. Why do you think he felt compelled to make such a strong statement about the importance of artistic freedom?
* Guest 2, how do you see the current political climate impacting the cultural landscape in Austria and beyond? Are we witnessing a global trend towards restricting artistic expression?
* What are the potential consequences of stifling artistic freedom? What role do cultural institutions and individuals like Rinner play in defending this fundamental right?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: The Future of Culture and Politics**
* Minister Kogler acknowledged that sustaining this kind of environment will become “more difficult” in the future. What specific challenges do you foresee for cultural institutions and individuals working in the arts?
* What can governments and policymakers do to ensure that artistic freedom flourishes alongside a vibrant democratic society?
* Guest 1, what gives you hope for the future of art and culture in this challenging political landscape? What specific actions can individuals take to support their local theaters, museums, and artists?
**Conclusion**
Thank you to our guests for sharing their insights on this crucial issue. This interview reminds us of the importance of safeguarding artistic freedom as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It’s a conversation that will undoubtedly continue in the weeks and months ahead.
