By and with Gerald Straub

Where does fear begin—and where does courage end?
Where does courage begin—and where does fear end?
Who takes it away, and who gives it?

These questions do not only pertain to individual dilemmas; they are also increasingly becoming central sticking points in dealing with right-wing populist politics.

Terms such as “community,” “care,” and “togetherness” occupy a significant place in civil society debates. These are important and necessary concepts for describing social cohesion—but what is missing are the corresponding spaces for action and tools that enable each individual not only to reflect on these ideas but also to translate that knowledge into appropriate action.

Yes, of course, we’ve known this for quite some time. So how do we act together now?

This tour is also an attempt to address these two questions concretely within an artistic context: Who is afraid of what? What happens to artworks without their authorship? What question have I always wanted to ask? How many “status points” are lost if you simply take a vacation instead of doing a residency? What is considered courageous in artistic practice

Using concrete examples, these questions will be explored together with all participants on site.

We’ll try to approach (un)pleasant instructions with less fear, sharing both our courage and our fears along the way. Perhaps works of art and objects will also be collected in the respective studios—and, in the true spirit of piracy, accepted and shared as “treasures.” Are we all in the same boat, or not?

In the process, we ourselves become art pirates and cultural creators. Traces, references, and conclusions are blurred. And in the end, we’ll visit this year’s VIENNA ART WEEK exhibition and then exhibit our own work right there—with or without a pinch* of performance.

* The booty: Originally, sailors and pirates referred to the stolen or captured goods on a ship as a “prize” (from the French prendre = to take)

The “Open Studio Fearless Tour 2026” winds through the 15th district—and into the studios of:

• Thomas Steineder
• Arnold Reinthaler
• Bernhard Buhmann

Meeting point: Kröllgasse 10-12, 1150 Vienna

Ending: Goldschlagstraße 1, 1150 Vienna

Due to limited capacity, registration is required. FULLY BOOKED.

More information about Gerald Straub: https://geraldstraub.wordpress.com/cv/