DISTRICT OF FREE TOWN. “Highest Railway” is the motto of the Festival of the Regions 2023. The focus is on the Summerauerbahn as a metaphor for red-hot topics. Project ideas for the festival along the railway line from Linz to southern Bohemia are being sought until August 20th.
Not only artists, but also regional associations, initiatives and private individuals are invited to submit their thoughts and impulses on the festival theme. “There is still an opportunity until August 20,” invites festival director Otto Tremetzberger to take part. “The Festival of the Regions has been around for 30 years, it has a lasting effect and sets social impulses,” he emphasizes, referring to the project “Ein Dorf tutnichts” (2001) or Freies Radio Freistadt.
Railway as a metaphor
The Summerauerbahn is not only a metaphor for current topics such as climate change, but also for cross-border encounters. Such people are particularly in demand at the festival, also in the sense of getting to know your neighbors better, emphasized Oliver Jerney, Austrian Honorary Consul in Budweis. “Budweis is applying to be the European Capital of Culture 2028 and can benefit from the experience of Linz.”
The festival is advertised internationally, but ideas from the region are particularly popular with the organizing team. The projects deal with the festival theme, the region and its special features. All categories and areas are possible, from exhibitions, workshops, discussions, readings, performances to installations and sculptures.
local inspection
“Anyone who is not sure who has an idea and needs tips for the implementation, or who can only provide premises, is very welcome at the local inspection on Friday, July 22nd. “, says festival organizer Renée Chvatal. The Summerauerbahn and a festival bus will take you from Linz (meet at 9.35 a.m.) through the region to get an impression. There is also an opportunity to exchange ideas on August 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Café Suchan in Freistadt and online on Thursday, August 11 from 6.30 to 8 p.m. The project selection by a curatorial team will take place in September 2022. “Usually there are 20 to 30 projects with budgets of 1,000 to 20,000 euros,” says Otto Tremetzberger.
The artist Janina Wegscheider is a member of the program board. She welcomes ideas from the public. Mühlviertler Kernland leader manager Conny Wernitznig, she is a member of the regional expert advisory board, is very happy regarding the festival: “It gives us the opportunity to sharpen perspectives in regional development.”
Festival of the Regions June 23rd to July 2nd, 2023 Info & call for applications: www.fdr.at Contact person & registration: renee.chvatal@fdr.at July 22nd: Local inspection August 5th: Café Suchan exchange
