Every year, VIENNA ART WEEK organizes an afternoon featuring in-depth program events centered on the theme of that year’s edition, designed to inspire reflection and further thought.

At the invitation of VIENNA ART WEEK—in cooperation with PARNASS art magazine and the Dorotheum—a distinguished panel will discuss the role that politics can play in protecting art and culture in times of war, repression, and threats to democracy:

Art Under Pressure – Art, Courage and Solidarity in Times of Fear

Where democratic structures are under threat, where human rights are at risk, and where war, persecution, or political repression dominate daily life, the work of artists becomes particularly crucial to the system, as it builds resilience in society. At the same time, artists are especially vulnerable because of their key role in society.

Taking up the theme of this year’s VIENNA ART WEEK, “Navigating Angst,” this panel discussion features

• Sepp Schellhorn, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA)
• Bettina Leidl, Director of the MuseumsQuartier Vienna
• artist Kateryna Lysovenko (UA)
• cultural manager Oleksandra Saienko (UA)
• and artist Sabine Wiedenhofer
• along with moderator Silvie Aigner, Editor-in-Chief of PARNASS Art Magazine,

will discuss protection and solidarity mechanisms for at-risk artists and analyze related initiatives by the Ukraine Office Austria and the Artists Solidarity Program Europe (ASoP) at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

Registration required: FULLY BOOKED.