THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS AT THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (BMEIA)

Basic Principles, Key Areas and Programmes

1 2 THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS AT THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (BMEIA)

Basic Principles, Key Areas and Programmes 4 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

AUSLANDSKULTURKONZEPT

On the basis of its experiences with the key areas and programmes to date, and with a view to the future, the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs has further developed the basic principles, key areas and programmes for Austrian international cultural policy.

These principles align with the joint efforts of our partners at federal, provincial, and mu- nicipality level, as well as many other individuals and institutions working in the fields of art, culture, the sciences and dialogue and their valuable and constructive contributions to our country and its international relations.

The initial outline of this document was completed before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and its focus is on the future. Some new insights and experiences from the pandemic period are however reflected in this document, which summarises the efforts of Austrian International Cultural Relations in its areas of activity and thematic fields to date. Two new areas are defined which must play a role in future international cultural policy: ecology and new forms of sustainable economy, as well as the issue of the impact of digi- talisation on life and work in the future.

The document was developed by staff at the Directorate-General for International Cul- tural Affairs, under the supervision of Teresa Indjein, Peter Mikl and Christian Autengru- ber with contributions by Ulla Krauss-Nussbaumer, Marcus Bergmann, Stephan Vavrik, Waltraud Dennhardt-Herzog, Ingrid Köhn-Dursy, Sonja Reiser-Weinzettl, Karin Cervenka, Valerie Hagg, Martin Pammer, Denise Quistorp-Rejc and Martin Rauchbauer.

Vienna, September 2020

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 7

The Key Areas of Austrian International 13 Cultural Relations

1. Culture, Innovation, and Ecology 13 2. Digitalisation 14 3. Science Cooperation and Science Diplomacy 16 4. Intercultural Dialogue 18 5. Culture and Human Rights 19 6. The EU and EUNIC 21 7. Women in Art, Culture and the Sciences 22

The Programmes of Austrian International Cultural Relations

1. Music 25 The NewAustrian Sound of Music 2. Literature 26 schreibART AUSTRIA 3. Film 27 Austrian Short Film Series Tricky Women/Tricky Realities Avantgarde and experimental film 4. Dance 28 DANCE ON TOUR Austria 5. Theatre 28 ACT OUT 6. Visual Arts 29 Curate & ART AUSTRIA Digital and modular travelling exhibitions 7. Women 30 “CALLIOPE AUSTRIA – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences”

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS

8. Ecology, Innovation and Digitalisation 31 “Creative Austrians – Innovators for the Society of the Future” 9. Dialogue 32 “The Art of Encounter” “Dialogue Vademecum” 10. Science 33 Science cooperation and science diplomacy in Austrian international cultural relations

The Network of Austrian International Cultural Relations

The Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs 35 at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs Cultural Forum 36 Embassy 37 Consulate-General 37 Cooperation Office for Science, Education and Research 38 Office of Science and Technology Austria 38 Open Austria 39 Austria Library Abroad 39 Austria Institute 40 Honorary Consulate 40 Austrian Historical Institute Rome 41

The European Network 43

Organigram of the Directorate-General V: 44 International Cultural Affairs

7

INTRODUCTION

An essential aspect of cultural diplomacy is cultivating a relationship with another Art and culture are inherent to country. For this reason, establishing sub- Austrian identity. They form the stantive, mutually meaningful relations is a creative core of our country in its core goal of our activities. examination of the global percep- tion of Austria as well as interna- tional issues within Austria. In addition to its rich artistic and scientific legacy, Austria also has a vibrant and innovative contemporary cultural scene. The aim of our interna- tional cultural activities is to establish and connect these creative professionals in the global arena.

The main goal of Austrian foreign policy is to cultivate Austria‘s relationships with the world and to represent the interests, concerns and viewpoints of Austria in the interna- tional and regional organisations of which Austria is a member. In turn, the aim of Austrian international cultural policy is to realise this goal in the field of the arts, culture and the sciences. To this purpose, Austrian international cultural activities reflect the key areas of interest of Austrian foreign policy.

Geographically, this primarily means focusing on Austria‘s extended neighbourhood in Eu- rope and on the countries of South-East Europe. Additional focus regions or countries re- sult from Austrian foreign policy as well as general strategies and diplomatic anniversaries. Such prioritisation mostly becomes manifest in intensified cultural activities both in the host country and in Austria, in specific “theme years”, or in the context of events to mark anniversary years.

The key foreign policy areas supported by Austria’s international cultural activities are above all the importance of effective multilateralism, including an active participation as an EU member state, and a commitment to promoting human rights – a core concern of Austrian foreign policy. Other relevant issues reflected in our international cultural activities are the promotion of the rights of women and children and the protection of minorities.

9 The primary goals of Austrian international cultural activities are networking and support for young upcoming artists and researchers from Austria on the one hand, and on the other hand framing diplomatic relations with the resources of art, culture and science.

Art, culture and science need exchange. Good international relations in art, Direct contacts and personal encounters culture and science, as well as dialogue provide fertile ground for creative ideas and provide added value to Austrian society. inspiration. It is precisely this that Austri- an international cultural activities aim to achieve: to create new opportunities to connect with the world and foster sustainable cooperation. The global network of Austrian International Cultural Relations paves the way for international encounters, provides the foundations for collaborative projects, and initiates partnerships.

Knowing their history and its significance today is crucial to a better understanding of the relationships between and among states. This is why critical remembrance and reflection of past eras and events are also among the tasks of culture and research – and the reason why they form an integral part of Austrian international cultural policy.

This updated document by the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs builds on previous concepts for international cultural policy, revising them and adding new topics and focal areas, and giving International Cultural Relations an up-to-date outline. It goes without saying that these efforts continue in the Austrian tradition of cultural diplomacy, which remains a core concept we embrace. The environment and context of ideas have changed, and the intellectual spaces and networks in which we move have been transformed by the arrival of the Internet and computers. Mechanisms and creative opportunities have be- come immensely complex, and we are confronted with the problem of how we can re- discover ourselves in them, develop, protect ourselves and continue to shape the future.

In the years ahead, we are going to focus on seven key areas. They are a part of Austrian identity and provide suitable themes and subject matter for international exchange.

1. In the future, international cultural activities aim to place a stronger emphasis on the urgent future challenges to our planet, in particular the global issue of ecology and new forms of sustainable management, which already were addressed in the priority programme „Creative Austrians“. We all need to become more aware of the consequences of our economic system and consumer behaviour. And we all need to rethink the way in which we treat the planet, our natural environment, animals and our fellow human beings. International cultural activities aim to contribute to this

10 process and encourage people with program- International cultural activities mes and projects to think about what needs are also focused on ecology and to be done to improve the situation. In additi- environmental protection. on to Austrian scientists, artists and entrepre- neurs with a particular focus on a culture of awareness and sustainability will move centre-stage. Austrian art often addresses ecological issues and other important issues of the future. With this in mind, our international cultural activities aim to promote the creation of spaces for people to meet, where the ideas and concepts of Austrian pio- neers in art, culture, the sciences and business on environmental and sustainability issues can be shared with an international network.

2. Among our priorities are social innovation and the huge question of what digital- isation means for the future of humanity, for tomorrow’s world of work, and for our lives in general. The digital transformation of the world is unstoppable, and accele- rating. Therefore we need a digital humanism that ensures that the digitised world and the increasingly powerful new technologies are focused on the human being and human dignity, and do not reduce individuals to the role of a resource that is open to manipulation. In a digital humanism of this kind, art plays a key role since it is able to discuss, render visible, criticise and question these new values and the new image of humanity that emer- ges from them, as well as to present In a globalised world, it is important new, different options. to share good ideas and inspiration, strengthen knowledge and broaden the 3. There is a close connection between these broad, interdisciplinary issues scope of development for Austrians. and the science concept “Scientific Cooperation and Science Diplomacy in Austrian International Cultural Relations“. All the pressing issues of our age – the climate, energy, health, nutrition, water, and nature conservation – have a scientific component and can only be tackled effec- tively through international cooperation of political stakeholders and science. Such science diplomacy based on trust and promoting shared interests and alliances is becoming increasingly important as an instrument of foreign policy, and should therefore be the focus of greater attention.

4. In a globalised world, intercultural competence plays an increasingly important role. Trust and reconciliation can only be achieved through knowledge of other cul- tural and social codes. Creativity and interpersonal skills therefore form an integral part of the art of diplomacy, and they are a condition for Austria‘s role as a location for international organisations. Against this background, Austria must continue to

11 prove its worth as a builder of bridges and a trustworthy mediator. International Cultural Relations therefore also focus on the art of encounter, and rely on dialogue in its different forms.

5. Part of the practised tradition of Austrian policy is a commitment to human rights. From this, International Cultural Relations infer that its tasks include using the in- direct means of art, culture and dialogue to lend its voice to raise awareness for human rights issues. It goes without saying that such a commitment is impossible without promoting freedom of both artistic expression and science.

6. Austria‘s foreign policy commitment to development and the protection of Euro- pean values and the European way of life is closely connected to this. Cultural co- operation in Europe – both in the EU and beyond – and harnessing the potential arising from a common European international culture policy is one of the key goals of Austrian International Cultural Relations.

7. A special concern is to increase the visibility of women in art, culture and science. On the one hand, this means to recognise the achievements of women in the past and present; on the other hand, we systematically support individual female artists and scientists in the framework of international cultural activities.

These seven key areas of Austrian International Cultural Relations are implemented through ten programmes tailored to the new challenges and designed and realised by the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs in cooperation with Austrian arts and cultural institutions.

These programmes, some of which have been running for several years, serve to provide quality management, promote young talent and form a steering mechanism. They con- stitute an offer to all Austrian representations abroad and are updated regularly.

12 PRIORITY PROGRAMMES

1. MUSIC The NewAustrian Sound of Music support programme for young talent

2. LITERATURE schreibART AUSTRIA recommendation programme

3. FILM Austrian Short Film Series, Tricky Women/Tricky Realities, avantgarde and experimental film

4. DANCE DANCE ON TOUR Austria initiative

5. THEATRE ACT OUT tour and residency support programme

6. VISUAL ARTS Curate & ART AUSTRIA programme, digital and modular travelling exhibitions

7. WOMEN Publication “CALLIOPE AUSTRIA – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences”

8. ECOLOGY, INNOVATION AND DIGITALISATION “Creative Austrians – Innovators for the Society of the Future” programme

9. DIALOGUE Publication “The Art of Encounter” Guideline “Dialogue Vademecum”

10. SCIENCE The concept of science cooperation and science diplomacy in Austrian International Cultural Relations

13

THE KEY AREAS OF AUSTRIAN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS

1. Culture, Innovation, and Ecology

The challenges of the future, such as environmental protection, climate change, ener- gy, health, nutrition, and biodiversity, are also increasingly the subject of artistic and creative work. It is precisely culture, with its defi ning methods of non-linear thinking, creative imagination and the identifi cation of unconventional connections, that is predestined to explore visionary solutions for our future world.

Artists can point out the obsolete paradigms we should overcome, revise or reconsid- er. They achieve this with curiosity as well as openness, inventiveness, and a willing- ness to take risks.

Artists make it possible for us to gain a sensual understanding of ecological correla- tions and abstract data with images and sounds and mise-en-scène. In this way we can directly experience environmental events for instance, which is able to infl uence our thinking and actions in a far more direct, sustainable manner than any theoretical discussion could.

► Context / Goals

Our world has become more complex, more multifaceted, more interconnected. More than two centuries after the fi rst Industrial Revolution, we again fi nd ourselves at a social and economic crossroads.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were agreed by the United Nations in September 2015, defi ne the most important fi elds of work and action for our present society. They require reconcilability or taking into account the interdepen- dence of economy, ecology, and society.

15 We make every effort to ensure high The Kulturnation Austria has produced a quality and to establish long-term part- disproportionately large number of out- standing cultural, creative and innovative ner networks in Austria and across the solutions relative to the country’s popula- world. tion. The challenge today is what require- ments and framework conditions need to be in place in the society of the 21st century in order for creativity to unfold and the creative skills, the core cultural tools of our current knowledge society, to develop to their full potential. Austria can make a signif- icant contribution towards providing the answers.

In a conscious transgression of the traditional lines dividing art and culture in the nar- rower sense, the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of European and International Affairs aims to intensify its efforts to create space for encounters. Encounters are the fertile ground on which something new can develop. When people encounter each other and exchange ideas, new connections emerge and spaces for innovative ideas are opened up.

► Practical implementation

The publication and programme “CREATIVE AUSTRIANS – Innovators for the Society of the Future” showcase the role of creativity and innovation and present specific con- tributions by creatives to meeting the huge and important challenges of our time. Austrian International Cultural Relations regards itself as a builder of bridges and acts as a platform for international exchange between creatives who can contribute to the necessary processes of change and innovation with their artistic creative knowledge.

With its global network, the purpose of Austrian International Cultural Relations is to support the international activities of “Creative Austrians” who have not only thought about the social challenges of our time in theory, but also have developed practical solutions and concepts designed to tackle our present-day problems, and thus to help them build bridges to a positive future.

2. Digitalisation

In nearly all areas of life today, the question is not the whether, but the how of digitalisation. The focus on digitalisation can also initiate crucial dialogues between scientists and artists. For this reason, a contemporary international cultural policy has to address this issue in an active – and creative – manner.

16 As always, however, we also need to take both sides of the medal into account: the bright one promising a wonderful world of new opportunities for art, culture, and science, as well as the dark and ominous one that raises the questions of the freedom or autonomy of art and science, of automatised surveillance and social control, of targeted “propaganda” and copyright protection.

► Context / goals

There are hardly any digitalisation strategies tailor-made for international cultural pol- icy, but cultural institutions address digitalisation in a variety of ways, for instance by maintaining thematically focused networking and contact platforms for creative artists. As a rule, the use of digitalisation thus has mostly been limited to making analogue content digitally accessible until today, mainly from archives or in documenting cultural assets from museums and libraries.

Apart from easier access, digitalised content primarily offers opportunities to popularise content and to use it to present a country’s profile in the digital space. Here we see that the competition for attention is huge, and it is this battle for attention that is the main focus of interest rather than the content-related discussion that has become broader and more easily accessible thanks to digitalisation.

In this context, however, a critical discussion that examines the various consequences of digitalisation is essential. This is where international cultural activities can promote a new “digital humanism” that insists on respecting human dignity in a changing digital world and in the development of new technologies.

► Practical implementation

Digitalisation does not always make it easier to convey content and communicate with target groups, either directly, every time or automatically. The opportunities arising from digitalisation can however be used intelligently and creatively to establish new art forms or young artists on the international stage.

International Cultural Relations can also use its network to establish new links to in- ternational partners beyond the cultural sector, and create new, fruitful alliances with the sciences (science diplomacy) and the tech industry (tech diplomacy). At selected lo- cations, it can establish test laboratories for digital transformation and the interface between art and technology (e. g. Open Austria Art + Tech Lab in San Francisco), in close cooperation with Ars Electronica in Linz, with which the Ministry of European and Inter- national Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding for increased cooperation in 2015 – also and especially in the field of digitalisation.

17 Here, the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs is taking specific steps towards realising these aims at a practical and project-related level. As an example, flex- ible digital travelling exhibitions were developed that enable the Cultural Fora, embas- sies and consulates-general abroad to present modular exhibitions that are adapted to local conditions.

As a networked form of communication that is more broadly visible to an external audience, digitalisation is also used to raise awareness of specific focal issues among a wider public via digital exchange and communication platforms, as well as to highlight Austria’s great potential when it comes to innovation and creativity.

3. Science Cooperation and Science Diplomacy

As well as cultural exchange and dialogue, Our international presence is inten- science has become an important ally in the ded to act as a catalyst and to open diplomatic arena. Science can play different up new opportunities for creative roles in foreign policy. The first step is to promote professionals from Austria. science cooperation, in other words, to create net- works for Austrian scientific achievements on the international stage. International meetings between scientists and partnerships bet- ween science institutions underpin the competence and visibility of scientists and the international character of universities and research institutions, as well as generating innovation.

However, science is also an effective tool to strengthen international relations.

Scientific collaboration and academic mobility spread knowledge that builds bridges between society and science, and thus forms a basis for dialogue and cooperation. Therefore, science diplomacy can contribute to fostering international relations.

► Context / goals

Science plays an influential role not only in diplomacy, but also in areas of human concern. Foreign policy depends on scientific input and cooperation with science in- stitutions, since all the major challenges of our time – the climate, energy, health, nutrition, water, nature conservation – have a scientific component and can only be tackled effectively through international cooperation between political stakeholders and science.

18 The most important role of science at the interface with foreign policy is to further diplomatic interests, whether at the national, the transnational or the global level. This is science diplomacy. It goes beyond scientific cooperation and is not the same as science policy. Science diplomacy aims to create trust, to promote common interest and to forge alliances between science and diplomacy. Science diplomacy is therefore an instrument of foreign policy.

Austrian science diplomacy has proven its value as a stabilising and productive force in the political arena. Regardless of the political climate, it provides a positive agenda for cooperation and keeps channels of communication open.

► Practical implementation

The Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation (STC) and science as a field of cooperation in bilateral cultural agreements attest to the importance of science as a bilateral cooperation instrument. The “Beyond Europe” internationalisation strategy of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) and its updated versions provide the guiding principles for establishing new cooperative partnerships.

Austria’s longstanding involvement in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) and in the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) are ex- amples, as well as the work of the Austrian Historical Commissions in Russia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. Following several years of collaboration between historians in both countries, the Österreich-Tschechisches Geschichtsbuch presents the two countries’ shared history for a broad readership. By refusing to shy away from problematic events, the book can contribute towards reducing resentment and stereotypes and create fresh perspectives for future cooperation in politics, culture, and research.

In order to strengthen this dialogue between research and politics, and to further devel- op science diplomacy at the international level, Austria has joined the Foreign Ministry Science and Technology Advice Network (FMSTAN).

The Austrian representations play a key role in science diplomacy. They come into contact with current issues of concern and form an important link in connecting Aus- trian scientists and scientific institutions with their respective local partners. The Direc- torate-General for International Cultural Affairs supports the Austrian embassies, Cultural Fora and consulates-general by providing contacts to the relevant scientific institutions, information about activities within the framework of the Austrian strategy for research, technology and innovation (FTI), as well as to successful science network initiatives and science diplomacy projects.

19 4. Intercultural Dialogue

Successful dialogue involves esta- Intercultural dialogue is an effective method blishing trust. Credibility is a value employed by Austrian foreign policy to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. By we need to invest in. reducing stereotypes and prejudices, dialogue makes an important contribtion to establishing international trust, solving conflicts and securing peace.

In an era of globalisation and migration, intercultural dialogue is becoming increas- ingly important. Within societies, it is an effective tool to strengthen social cohesion and prevent discrimination and cultural resentment.

Austria can look back on a wealth of experience in the field of intercultural dialogue. Vienna, the seat of government, is a hub for intercultural dialogue, not least thanks to the roughly 40 international organisations based there. Austria also plays a leading role among the EU member states in this respect.

► Context / goals

Global developments, particularly the diversification of societies worldwide, migra- tion movements and the threat posed by violent extremism all underline the need for dialogue between groups with different ethnic, cultural, linguistic, or ideological backgrounds.

The Austrian dialogue initiatives aim to promote intercultural understanding at the national and international level, and to contribute to improving relations between groups from different cultures and with different worldviews in order to strengthen cohesion in societies. Here we need to place a particular emphasis on the role of artis- tic and scientific cooperation.

► Practical implementation

For several decades, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs has been actively involved in bilateral and multilateral cultural dialogue, and has created structures within its diplomatic service that address methodological questions on dialogue and possible dialogue outcomes in terms of concepts, initiatives, and imple- mentation.

The “Dialogue of Cultures” Task Force at the Directorate-General for International

20 Affairs, established in 2007, is where concepts are generated and project ideas are de- veloped, and it acts as the point of contact when it comes to implementing dialogue initiatives. It offers expertise on dialogue-related issues and promotes the establish- ment of networks between dialogue partners. The Task Force has an international network of contacts, and acts as an interface between Austrian state institutions, re- ligious communities, NGOs, and institutions and representatives from the sciences, culture, the media, and business.

There are concrete dialogues at a bilateral level with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Indonesia, and the People‘s Republic of China. The dialogue with Iran is the result of an initiative of former Foreign Minister Dr. Alois Mock, and evolved into an academic dialogue. The dialogue with Indonesia focuses on interreligious issues and involves participants from civil society. With China, we engage in a dialogue of worldviews, discussing, among other things, parallels with Western values such as democracy and respect for human rights on the basis of Taoist reflections on the re- sponsibilities of the state developed by Lao Tzu.

Among the main multilateral foci in international dialogue are Austria‘s commitment to the Alliance of Civilizations of the United Nations (UNAOC), as well as its involve- ment in transatlantic committees and informal formats within the EU.

5. Culture and Human Rights

The Austrian commitment to promoting human rights has People are at the always been a core element of Austrian foreign policy, which we centre of our work. wish to reflect in our international cultural activities.

In Austria, where the Vienna Declaration of the World Conference on Human Rights and the Programme of Action were approved in 1993, there is an awareness that fun- damental principles such as justice, equality, freedom, and peaceful coexistence need to be constantly safeguarded, even though they have long been a part of the univer- sal, indivisible canon of values.

These principles for a beneficial coexistence, and strengthening a general aware- ness of their importance, are core concerns of Austrian international cultural activi- ties, which promote encounters between creative artists and members of academia and encourage them to participate. Such encounters are designed to encourage young people in particular to reflect on these issues, to foster understanding, and thereby to contribute to the promotion of human rights worldwide.

21 ► Context / goals

Culture as an instrument for strengthening human rights has been a long-standing and constant feature of Austrian cultural diplomacy; this is based on the insight that the universal nature and indivisibility of human rights can only arise from a cross-cul- tural willingness to stand up for this basic human requirement.

Cultural diplomacy is a means to promote knowledge about human rights and over- come obstacles to accessing these rights, and to initiate processes to empower defen- ders of human rights.

In creating its programmes, International Cultural Relations has a special focus on the fields of women‘s rights and the rights of the child, freedom of expression, and econo- mic, social and cultural rights.

► Practical implementation

In the cultural and scientific arena, the global Austrian international culture network cooperates closely with state institutions as well as private foundations and initia- tives, international organisations and NGOs both within Austria and abroad.

Working together with the Human Rights Office of the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs, experts in the cultural field develop project ideas for the Austrian Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general in order to incorporate human rights issues into bilateral work by means of culture and the sciences.

These range from conferences about film and music projects to literature. In the field of women’s rights, we rely on the content and basic principles of the “CALLIOPE Aus- tria” programme, launched in 2016, which places women centre stage. The project recommendations made in the programme aim to improve the visibility of female artists in the cultural scene, to engage with women’s history and the abilities and achievements of women through dialogue, and to focus on questions relating to the position of women in society in the respective host countries.

As a medium, film has been proven to be an important art form in this respect. By participating in film festivals addressing human rights issues across the globe, Austri- an representations promote the creation of awareness for basic rights concerns and place them in an intercultural context. Children’s rights, human trafficking, and vio- lence against women are also issues on which the Austrian representations empha- sise in their projects.

22 6. The EU and EUNIC Strong international friend- Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue are ships that take effect over firmly anchored in the EU’s value system, and play an increasingly important role in international rela- the long term need to be nur- tions in promoting human rights, artistic freedom, tured in regular meetings. respect and tolerance for others, mutual under- standing, conflict prevention, and reconciliation. By supporting cultural policy as the driving force for democracy, peace, stability and sustainable socioeconomic development in third countries, the EU’s contribution as a complement to the activities of the individual member states can be significant.

Since Austria’s accession to the EU, the Federal Ministry of European and Internatio- nal Affairs has opted to pursue a European dimension in its foreign cultural policy as well as investing in bilateral relations, and supports the reorganisation of the cultural agenda in EU international relations that came into effect with the Treaty of Lisbon.

► Context / goals

Following a proposal of the EU institutions in the summer of 2016, the EU member states approved the framework for an “EU strategy for international cultural relations and a framework for action” on March 8, 2019. Within this framework, future coopera- tion with third countries will emphasise the principles of mutual respect, equal oppor- tunities and collaborative partnership and participation, as well as the consideration of local conditions and the involvement of all stakeholders throughout the design and implementation processes.

The choice of the term “cultural relations” rather than the previous focus on “cultural diplomacy” is intended to clearly attest to the fact that moving forward, the focus will be on the long-term establishment of civil society contacts and co-creation in the cul- tural sphere, rather than the unilateral representative demonstration of European cul- tural achievements.

23 The EU culture strategy identifies three objectives:

▪ to support culture as an engine for sustainable social and economic development ▪ to promote the role of culture and intercultural dialogue for peaceful intercom- munity relations ▪ to reinforce cooperation in protecting cultural heritage

► Practical implementation

When Austria held the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2018, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs played a key role in the formulation and negotiation of the Council conclusions. Here, one particular goal pursued by Austria was to embed the network of foreign cultural policy players among the EU member states, or EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture), as the implementing partner of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in third countries. In 2006, Austria was a founding member of this network, and since then has been an active member of the “EUNIC clusters” with its Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general. In all three of the working areas emphasised in the EU cultural strategy, Austria has many years of experience to offer, thanks to its bilateral cultural relations and cooperation with cultural institutions and other par- ticipants, which can be put to use in future joint EU projects and cultural strategies. Furthermore, local EUNIC clusters can obtain co-funding for their EUNIC projects via the EUNIC Cluster Fund.

The broad geographical and thematic scope and the inclusion of all local participants enable Austrian International Cultural Relations to expand its own geographical and thematic priorities within EU-wide cultural projects.

7. Women in Art, Culture and the Sciences

Women, their achievements and their voices are of- International Cultural Relations ten accorded less importance than the male sector support gender equality and the of society. This issue includes among other things creation of new opportunities for unequal pay for the same work, the systematic vio- lation of basic and human rights, and the millions women at the international level. of “lost” women and girls who are never born due to a preference for sons. The important World Con- ferences on Women aimed to take measures to counteract these injustices; never- theless, they still have not been eradicated.

24 For women in Austria, the scope of opportunity has broadened over the 20th and 21st centuries. This is mainly owed to women who took hard-won steps towards change with great effort and perseverance. As courageous pioneers they dared to break free and reframe their lives without supportive networks.

It is also a result of this specific Austrian experience that Austrian foreign policy has for many years placed particular emphasis on working to improve the human rights situa- tion for women and girls worldwide – a goal that is also realised through international cultural activities. In this way, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs is also explicitly working to achieve one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which takes account of the fact that sustainable progress and development cannot be achieved unless targeted steps are taken to improve the situation of women and girls.

► Context / goals

International cultural activities create international opportunities for creative women and men in Austria in equal measure, demonstrating Austria’s commitment to women and women’s rights. From the perspective of the Federal Ministry of International and European Affairs, empowering women to participate fully and with equal rights in social and political processes is key to ensure sustainable conflict solutions, lasting peace, and stable societies.

International Cultural Relations is committed to achieving gender equality and to opening up new avenues for women on the international level. Our aim for fema- le creative artists and researchers from Austria, is to provide access to opportunities abroad, develop cooperation opportunities and generate inspiration through new encounters. At the same time, the Ministry of European and International Affairs wis- hes to provide encouragement to break free from predetermined role concepts, power structures, and social realities. This commitment is based on an ideal of freedom: for women and men to be able to put their abilities to use in equal measure, and for society to endorse and appreciate this.

► Practical implementation

Austria‘s cultural activities in support of women are clearly outlined in the priority pro- gramme “CALLIOPE Austria – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences”, which has been running since 2016, and which aims to increase awareness of the achievements of women from Austria and to promote women with respect to international collabo- ration in the fields or culture and research. It is no coincidence that this programme is named after Calliope, the muse of science, philosophy and poetry.

25 “CALLIOPE Austria” is designed to raise awareness and increase knowledge of excep- tional women from Austria who have made their mark on society, science, and culture. At the same time, its aim is to use the ideas, achievements and biographies of women to present a new narrative about Austria at home and abroad.

“CALLIOPE Austria” acts as both an inspiration and a stimulus to talk about the achievements of women from Austria in the form of presentations, readings, film screenings, discussion groups and a travelling exhibition based on the publication “CALLIOPE Austria – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences”.

26 THE PROGRAMMES OF AUSTRIAN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS

1. MUSIC The NewAustrian Sound of Music

Internationally, Austria is considered to be a country of music. In 2001, in order to live up to this reputation, the Federal Ministry of European and International Aff airs start- ed a programme for talented young musicians called “The NewAustrian Sound of Mu- sic (NASOM)” in an allusion to the fi lm “The Sound of Music”, which is well-known particularly among Anglo-American audiences. NASOM was also created to surprise audiences with the broad scope of the Austrian music landscape, which, aside from keeping tradition alive, is also vibrant, modern, and culturally diverse.

In collaboration with the Music Information Center Austria (mica), the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG), the Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz, and with local music event organisers and music journalists, young, aspiring musicians in the fi eld of classical music, jazz, world music, New Music and pop/electronic music are invited to join this programme to promote young talent. The fi ve best acts from every genre are selected by a specialist jury. Over a two-year period, the Federal Ministry of European and International Aff airs will then recommend them to festival and concert organisers abroad, and they receive the best possible support for their international performances by the global network of embassies, Cultural Fora and consulates-ge- neral. The programme thus off ers important start-up support to young, aspiring mu- sicians on their path to an international career.

Thanks to their frequent international appearances, young musicians who have joined the NASOM programme have been invited to perform in the best concert

27 venues, for instance the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Concertgebouw in Amster- dam, the Musikverein in Vienna and the Tonhalle in Zürich. Since its inception, NASOM has developed into a highly successful Austrian music brand. More than 200 projects annually with more than 400 concerts with NASOM artists in more than 65 countries across the world attest to its success.

2. LITERATURE schreibART AUSTRIA

The sheer extent of literary creation in Austria is astonishing. As well as the classic authors of the 20th century and the post-1945 generation, such as Ingeborg Bach- mann, Thomas Bernhard, Peter Handke, Marlen Haushofer, Ernst Jandl, Elfriede Jelinek, Gert Jonke, Friederike Mayröcker, Peter Turrini, and many others of internation- al fame, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs attempts to offer a new generation of writers an international platform.

One instrument created for this purpose is schreibART AUSTRIA, the Directorate-Gener- al for International Cultural Affairs’ recommendation programme for contemporary Austrian literature. A jury of respected literary specialists assists the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs in the selection of schreibART authors. Writers working in Austria are chosen by the specialist jury for the fields of prose, poetry, and drama in this recommendation programme, which is now in its third edition. This se- lection is a representative cross-section of the literary work currently being produced in Austria.

SchreibART AUSTRIA serves as an inspiration and a stimulus, particularly for literary events abroad. With the aid of the Austrian international cultural network worldwide – the Cultural Fora, the embassies and consulates-general, as well as the 65 Austria Libraries Abroad – literary creation is linked to local partners. The goal of this litera- ture promotion programme is to recommend authors from Austria and their work to an international audience, to invite them to readings and conversations in houses of literature and universities, to workshops, symposia, festivals and literary meetings, and thus to encourage the translation of their works. The dialogue that emerges from encounters with local audiences also provides an important platform beyond the German-speaking countries for a discussion of the diverse, exciting and inspiring literature currently coming from Austria. In this way, literature becomes an inherent aspect of Austria’s image abroad as a country of culture.

28 3. FILM Austrian Short Film Series Tricky Women/Tricky Realities Avantgarde and experimental film

In the domain of film, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs sup- ports film-makers from Austria in going international. A special focus is paid on young Austrian film-makers – particularly young women, and another main area of interest is avantgarde and experimental film. In cooperation with film institutions in Austria, the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs develops a range of offers for targeted use by the Austrian Cultural Fora, the embassies and the consulates-general.

The “Austrian Shorts Short Film Series” has been travelling around the world since 2013. As part of this cooperation with the Academy of Austrian Film, outstanding Aus- trian short films (short feature films, short documentaries, experimental film, mu- sic videos and animation films) have been screened abroad. By involving (language) teachers with a connection to Austria, the short films also find an interested audience in schools and universities throughout the world.

Since 2014, the films of female animators are presented abroad in cooperation with the Tricky Women/Tricky Realities festival in Vienna. Austrian International Cultural Relations has a conscious emphasis on improving the gender balance within the film industry. This programme offers female directors from Austria an international plat- form for their work, strengthens their international networks and generates global interest in the work of female Austrian film-makers. The programme is curated by the team of female curators of Tricky Women/Tricky Realities.

In the area of avantgarde and experimental film, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs has a long-standing successful cooperation with Sixpackfilm, the Austrian distributor specialising in avantgarde and experimental film. Touring programmes, retrospectives, short films and other innovative Austrian experimental films curated by Sixpackfilm are screened abroad. There are plans to expand the on- going cooperation with a focus on hybrid film events or online film screenings.

29 4. DANCE DANCE ON TOUR Austria

Dance as an art form that does not necessarily rely on language is an excellent vehicle for universally understood dialogue. The Federal Ministry of European and Interna- tional Affairs has developed the DANCE ON TOUR Austria (DOTA) programme in cooperation with Tanzquartier Wien (TQW). This dance promotion programme is de- signed as a specific addition to support international performances of dance com- panies through the network of Austrian International Cultural Relations. It supports contemporary dancers, performance artists, and dance companies based in Austria who are invited to guest performances, workshops or masterclasses in the neigh- bouring countries and Central, East and South-East Europe. The countries specifi- cally involved are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Croatia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Liechtenstein, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary, and Belarus.

This funding programme aims to intensify exchange and networking between the Austrian dance scene and the dance scenes of the countries covered by the pro- gramme, and to actively support the development of local young dance scenes. It seeks applications from artists and companies based in Austria as well as event organ- isers abroad, which are submitted directly to Tanzquartier Wien. Tanzquartier Wien is responsible for administering the project, and also acts as an intermediary between the applicants and the festival. An independent three-person jury awards the DANCE ON TOUR Austria grants at regular intervals. The TQW also acts as the primary point of contact for the Austrian Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general who can access its expertise and advice to identify suitable dance ensembles for performances abroad.

5. THEATRE ACT OUT

Theatre as an art form is particularly highly regarded in Austria, which is evidenced by the large number of theatres and the diversity of the free theatre scene. However, theatre from Austria is also particularly innovative and creative – a fact attested to by regular invitations of exceptional productions and young artists and their work to the Theatertreffen festival in Berlin.

30 However, the international placement of performing arts projects and programmes often reaches its capacity limits. New forms and opportunities for encounter and ex- change are therefore needed. A specific answer to this problem is ACT OUT, a touring and residency support programme for freelance performing artists and theatre groups developed by the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs in cooperation with IG Freie Theaterarbeit (IGFT).

ACT OUT is designed to support guest performances by freelance individual performers and ensembles outside Austria, to enable important artistic inspiration, provide interna- tional experience and pave the way for stronger international networking, and thereby to increase the visibility of theatre and performance artists from Austria.

Applications are welcome from artists and theatre groups in the acting and perfor- mance genres, children’s and youth theatre and new circus and street theatre. The pro- gramme funds performance fees, travel, transport, technicians and accommodation in connection with tours and residencies throughout the world, although predominantly in Europe. An independent three-person jury regularly awards the IGFT-managed guest performance and residency funds.

In addition to funding tours and residencies, the programme also provides an online platform for stage productions. This Vimeo platform, which is also managed by the IGFT, is designed to offer the free theatre and performance scene in Austria a window to the world. Individual artists and ensembles can upload recordings of their productions, which can be streamed by the Austrian Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general in their respective countries. Credits and brief synopses are provided in German and English.

6. VISUAL ARTS Curate & ART AUSTRIA Digital and modular travelling exhibitions

In the framework of the Curate & ART AUSTRIA programme, young international cura- tors are invited to a residency in Austria to develop an exhibition project together with Austrian artists. The result of this exchange is then presented in the country of origin of the curators. The aim is to strengthen ties between individuals and institutions and stimulate new collaborations. The artistic relevance of the projects is ensured by paying just as much attention to the quality of the institutional partners in Austria and locally as on collaborative partnerships.

31 Every year, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs supports many vi- sual artists and exhibitions of Austrian art abroad, and works closely with galleries, uni- versities, and museums. In addition, the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs regularly commissions exhibition curators with travelling exhibitions on specific topics, which are then made available to the Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates- general, either as stand-alone exhibitions or as an additional input for symposia, literary events and projects relating to priority issues.

In order to make the best possible use of available technology, to minimise transport costs, and to optimise the impact of the exhibitions, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs tends to increasingly abandon the traditional format of trav- elling exhibitions and to opt for flexible digital travelling exhibitions. This new format also allows for a more in-depth dialogue with the host country, since the Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general can download the print data of modular exhibitions themselves and are therefore able to create a version of the travelling exhibition adjust- ed to local conditions.

Specific examples of digital and modular exhibitions are “CALLIOPE Austria – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences”, “YOVA – Young Viennese Architects + Landscape Architects” and “Gustav Klimt – Pioneer of the Modern Age”. With the continuous fur- ther development of the available range of topics, this programme allows for a visual experience of the priority areas of Austrian international cultural policy.

7. WOMEN “CALLIOPE AUSTRIA – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences”

Nearly everywhere in the world and in various degrees, women, their achievements and their voices are valued less highly and given less weight than the male half of society. At the same time, it has long been evident that a greater equity for women globally could secure a better future for humanity as a whole.

One important goal of Austrian international cultural policy is therefore to gradually achieve a more equitable gender balance in all areas of life.

As well as continuously propagating the importance of consciously supporting women in music, literature, the visual arts, theatre, and research, “CALLIOPE Austria – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences” specifically raises awareness of important contributions made by women to cultural and socio-political life in Austria, and above all also celebrates this contribution. The publication contains an impressive collection

32 of 165 biographies of exceptional women from Austria who made their mark on life in Austria and changed history in their time, from the 18th century to the present day.

The programme of the same name, “CALLIOPE Austria”, a supplement to the publi- cation, supports the Austrian Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general in emphasising the achievements of women for Austria, now and in the past, within the framework of Austrian international cultural activities. The aim is to use these female ideas, achievements and biographies for a new narrative about Austria to be told abroad. This is also achieved by the digital travelling exhibition “CALLIOPE Aust- ria – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences”, which was created on the basis of the publication and is available in German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Serbo-Croatian. The exhibition is completed by five specially produced films and a package of proposed lectures.

8. ECOLOGY, INNOVATION AND DIGITALISATION “Creative Austrians – Innovators for the Society of the Future”

We can no longer effectively meet the challenges of the future with our present-day paradigms and concepts. We need concepts for the future – and people who have the curiosity, imagination, and also the courage to leave mainstream hypotheses behind and create new approaches. These “creative professionals”, who have not only consid- ered how to solve the problems of the future in theory, but have already developed practical solutions and concepts with which a real contribution can be made to re- solving these challenges, are the subject of “Creative Austrians – Innovators for the Society of the Future”.

With this priority programme, Austrian International Cultural Relations promote a creative engagement with processes of social change. The aim is to increase the in- volvement of “Creative Austrians” in the international debate, and to position Austria as a relevant source of new ideas and as a place of international exchange for creative approaches to possible solutions to the challenges of the future.

The publication presents a number of outstanding individuals from Austria whose ideas and achievements help to create an inspiring, hopefully better future and a good quality of life for all in a variety of ways. The publication spans a broad range of subjects, from surprising ideas for improving global food supplies to tactile tablet com- puters for the visually impaired, and design concepts for a socio-cultural re-evaluation of the function of sleep in everyday life. As well as presenting these creative professio-

33 nals and their responses to challenges that impact society as a whole, Austrian Interna- tional Cultural Relations also aim to help build bridges to the world and support these creative professionals in the development of their international networks.

9. DIALOGUE “The Art of Encounter” “Dialogue Vademecum”

In different parts of the world and to different degrees, we currently experience a rapid increase in social tensions, which frequently leads to conflicts. This is where diplomats can act as bridge-builders who seek and promote dialogue in order to help create bet- ter mutual understanding and trust.

Every year, more than 6,000 projects are developed in the Austrian international cul- tural network across the globe. Many of these are dialogical in their approach, and focus on the value, creation, and improvement of relationships. They all aim to find ways to really start a conversation with each other, to learn from each other, and to work together. This is part of the potential of cultural diplomacy.

One key project of the “Dialogue of Cultures” Task Force is the Intercultural Achieve- ment Award (IAA). This international award for intercultural projects is organised annually since 2014 in cooperation with the Austrian Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general. Prizes are awarded in five categories to successful, innovative pro- jects in the field of intercultural dialogue. One of the goals of this award is to raise awareness of dialogue methods, both in Austria and internationally, and to encourage civil society stakeholders to take up or maintain action in this area.

“The Art of Encounter”, which was published in 2019, covers many aspects of different fields of dialogue in Austrian foreign policy, presents a structured overview of the con- cept of dialogue as a method of communication in diplomatic contexts, and describes it specifically in terms of its close relationship with creative processes.

This is supplemented by a “Dialogue Vademecum”, an internal guideline on dialogue as a field of Austrian foreign policy and international cultural policy, which supports the Austrian Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general in their activities to pro- mote dialogue abroad.

34 10. SCIENCE Science cooperation and science diplomacy in Austrian international cultural relations

Given the important role played by science and technology in all future-related issues as well as for diplomacy, the role of science in Austrian international cultural relations is ex- plicitly and strategically presented in a science context for the first time. The concept de- scribes Austrian experiences, provides examples of the practice of representations, and outlines the international context in which science diplomacy is currently evolving. In particular, however, it is designed as a stimulus and guideline for the Austrian Cultural Fora, embassies and consulates-general in their efforts to support science & technology diplomacy to the best of their abilities and to develop their own initiatives in this field.

After all, international scientific cooperation and academic mobility help strengthen bilateral and international relations, and also broaden mutual understanding with the knowledge they generate. In this way, they form a basis for dialogue and collab- oration in all areas. The initial aim is to promote encounters between researchers and partnerships between academic institutions, and to support Austrian academic in- stitutions in their activities abroad and their networking activities. Apart from the responsible federal ministries, these academic institutions include the universities, OeAD-GmbH, and the archaeological departments of the Austrian Academy of Scien- ces. Academic events are used to create opportunities for Austrian partners to net- work with potential local partners.

An important aspect is also cooperation with the Austria Libraries Abroad, the Österreich Institut GmbH, the ÖSD, the Cooperation Offices and the lecturers at OeAD GmbH, professors of Austrian studies, study centres and schools abroad, as well as the foreign trade centres of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ) and the special attaché(e)s in the RTI field.

“One size does not fit all”: current issues need to be identified and contacts for long- term cooperation need to be established between potential partners in politics, administration, higher education, and research (trending, facilitating, match-making and mapping of the science landscape while involving the science diaspora and estab- lishing and cultivating alumni networks).

Both the new and the traditional key areas of Austrian international cultural activities, such as culture and the SDGs, art and technology, culture and human rights, provide an opportunity for creative, interdisciplinary encounters between art, the sciences and technology (tech diplomacy).

35

THE NETWORK OF AUSTRIAN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS

THE DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL AFFAIRS AT THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Directorate-General for International Cultural Aff airs (DG V) at the Federal Ministry of European and International Aff airs consists of four departments and eleven units, and the Library of the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Based in Vienna, it su- pervises the entire prioritisation process of Austrian cultural and science diplomacy and all activities, i. e. events and projects that relate to culture and science activities conducted by Austrian representations abroad.

Department V.1 is responsible for strategic management, the development of fun- damental programmatic themes, such as theme years or cooperation with indivi- dual countries and institutions, as well as budgetary and funding matters. In ad- dition, the department also is home to the Unit for Cultural Public Relations and the “Rudolf Agstner” Historical Unit, which was created in the autumn of 2019 and processes historical documents and documentary material. Its two other units are respectively responsible for budget planning, and cultural agreements, science and technology agreements and other arrangements in the fi eld of culture and science, as well as international services (peace service, Holocaust memorial service and Austrian Social Service). Finally, the Library of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, which is housed in the building of the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, falls within the remit of this department.

Department V.2 is responsible for monitoring all arts and science projects and events organised by the representations abroad. This department also develops and maintains partner networks in Austria, for instance via existing programmes

37 of Austrian International Cultural Relations. This department has separate units for theatre, literature, dance, and science events, for exhibitions and digital media, for music and film and for the Austria Libraries Abroad.

Department V.3 is responsible for bilateral and multilateral academic cooperation, dialogue between cultures and religions, and for German as a foreign language, including the Österreich Institut GmbH and the Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD). In science diplomacy, the department is supported by a Unit for International Aca- demic and University Cooperation. Within the framework of a separate unit, the department is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies and programmes for intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

Department V.4 is the central point of contact and access for all questions relating to cultural policy Austria is involved in in cooperation with international organi- sations such as the United Nations, the EU and the OSCE. This department also coordinates cooperation in the context of the EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC). Further fields of responsibility of this department are issues relating to culture and development, and international sports relations. A separate unit takes care of all aspects of cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture Organization (UNESCO), which, besides addressing e. g. institutional questions, also entails the preparation of general conferences and the coordination of Austrian positions.

Internationally, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs currently has a network of 30 Cultural Fora, 82 embassies, 10 consulates-general and 65 Austria Libraries Abroad, 10 Austria Institutes, two Offices of Science and Technology, the Cooperation Office for science, education and research in L’viv, the OPEN AUSTRIA office in San Francisco, the Austrian Historical Institute Rome – and approximately 340 honorary consulates.

CULTURAL FORUM

Currently 30 Austrian Cultural Fora (ÖKF) are the primary institutions planning and implementing Austria’s international cultural activities. Every year, they or- ganise and support a large portion of more than 6,000 cultural and scientific projects in more than 90 countries worldwide, and create or strengthen cultural bridges to the world. Their work is centred on the international promotion and networking of contemporary creative output from Austria in the fields of culture and science.

38 So the Cultural Fora are locally organised focal centres of Austrian interna- tional cultural activities. They plan and organise programmes and projects in their respective host countries in collaboration with local partners from the artistic, cultural and scientific community. However, the Austrian Cultural Fora are also service points for Austrian artists and scientists, as well as for Austrian artistic, cultural and academic institutions who benefit from their support in establishing contacts and networks in Austria and abroad.

EMBASSY

The Austrian Embassy represents Austria abroad and provides services and support to Austrian citizens in the respective host country. This includes consular services for Austrians living abroad or on holiday, such as issuing passports, assistance in cases of emergency (such as accidents or illness) and support in crisis situations (such as natural disasters or armed conflict). As Austria currently maintains diplom- atic relations with 196 states but only has embassies in 82 countries, one embassy is often responsible for several countries. For Austria’s business sector and for poli- cymakers, an embassy often acts as a procurer of information. It supports Austrian businesses in the host country (for example by conducting preliminary discussions with the authorities) and makes preparations for high-ranking visits from Austria, which it also manages locally. Every Austrian embassy also has a cultural remit, in other words, it works to pro- mote cultural and academic exchange and is a point of contact for students from Austria and other countries. Finally, an embassy’s tasks also include promoting Austria’s image abroad, facilitat- ing qualified immigration, and promoting Austria as a base for international orga- nisations.

CONSULATE-GENERAL

Unlike embassies, consulates-general are responsible for just one region within a country. They offer Austrian citizens advice and support in emergencies, and provide information and consular services (such as issuing passports). How- ever, the responsibilities of the consulates-general also include the promo- tion of economic relations and cultural cooperation, as well as public relations.

39 There are currently ten Austrian consulates-general abroad, located in cities and regions with large numbers of resident Austrians or with intensive economic and cultural exchange with Austria.

COOPERATION OFFICE FOR SCIENCE, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

The OeAD Cooperation Office for Science, Education and Research in L’viv, which is based at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, is an outpost of the OeAD-GmbH, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation, the central service point for European and international mobility and cooperation in Austria. The office in L’viv offers advice to institutions, supports international exchange between university departments and academic institutions in Ukraine and aca- demic institutions in Austria, promotes Austria as an education and research destination, and coordinates the work of the Austrian lecturers at the Ukrainian universities in Kyiv, Kharkiv and L’viv. In the cultural field, the Cooperation Office presents Austria as a modern country of culture, by organising cultural events, promoting the translation of Austrian authors, publishing literary and scientific texts, and supporting the five Austria Libraries in Ukraine (in Kyiv, Kharkiv, L’viv, Chernivtsy and Drohobych). In addition, the OeAD operates Cooperation Offices in Shanghai (China) and Baku (Azerbaijan).

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUSTRIA

The Office of Science and Technology Austria (OSTA), which was opened in 2001, is an inter-ministerial initiative of the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. It represents Austria in the host country as a place of research, technology and innovation. As a strategic interface in the field of science, research, and research and technology policy, it supports the transfer of knowledge and experience between Austria and North America (since 2001) and China (since 2012). Its aim is to strengthen results- oriented, long-term cooperation in research and technology development, to devel- op and process science-technology and business-technology cooperation between institutions in the respective countries, expand existing bilateral research and tech- nology cooperation, and support students and researchers.

40 OPEN AUSTRIA

OPEN AUSTRIA was launched in San Francisco in 2016 by the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs and AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, the inter- nationalisation and innovation agency for the Austrian business sector. It pro- vides local services to Austrian start-ups, businesses, investors and scientists in the innovation hub of Silicon Valley. The main task of OPEN AUSTRIA is to devel- op and expand local networks for Austrian businesses and institutions. OPEN AUSTRIA provides information about the latest trends in all areas of innovation and business, science, and research and technology, and presents Austria as an excellent location for business and innovation. In cooperation with the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs, and with cultural institutions in Austria, OPEN AUSTRIA also aims to promote the rich innovative potential of crea- tive Austrian minds in art, culture, and science.

AUSTRIA LIBRARY ABROAD

Today, there are Austria Libraries Abroad at 65 locations in 28 countries, mainly in Central, East and South-East Europe, in the Black Sea region, in the South Cau- casus, and in Central Asia, particularly in towns and cities without an Austrian representation. The libraries allow a growing number of interested members of the public to access literature, knowledge and information from Austria. They also make an important contribution to the dissemination of Austrian culture and the German language. Thanks to their partnerships with local universities and research institutions, which also cover the local infrastructure costs (rooms and support staff), Austria Libraries Abroad constitute a successful cross-border knowledge network abroad. The Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs coordinates this net- work and provides ideas for events and academic cooperation. The libraries also receive an annual budget to purchase books as well as organisational support for events from local Austrian Cultural Fora and/or embassies. In many places, the libraries are also supported by Austrian university lecturers who are sent to the host countries by the OeAD, Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation. As a result of cooperation with the Duchy of Liechten- stein, there are “Liechtenstein shelves” in all the Austria Libraries Abroad. 27 Austria Libraries Abroad receive book donations for a “Swiss Corner” from the “Pro Helvetia” Swiss culture foundation.

41 In addition to the funding programme, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs funds further training seminars in Austria and scholarships for library staff. Support in Austria is provided in cooperation with the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Austrian Literary Society. From 2022 onwards – in a bi-annual cycle and in cooperation with one of Austria’s federal provinces – there will be an academic event in the shape of an „Austria conference“ with a cultural programme for the academic supervisors of Austria Libraries Abroad. Information about all the activities of the Austria Libraries Abroad is available at the online portal www.oesterreich-bibliotheken.at.

AUSTRIA INSTITUTE (ÖSTERREICH INSTITUT)

The Österreich Institut is an institution of the Republic of Austria that was crea- ted to offer German language teaching abroad and to promote cultural exchange. It cooperates with Austrian cultural and foreign policy institutions and with a series of partners both within Austria and internationally. Every year, around 11,000 people attend German courses at the Österreich Insti- tut’s facilities at ten locations in Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava, Brno, Moscow, Rome, Sarajevo, Warsaw, Krakow and Wrocław. All institutes are certified ex- amination centres for the internationally recognised Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD). Specially developed learning materials support modern teaching methods and strongly reference the Austrian language and culture. These include the Öster- reich Spiegel, a regular newspaper for German language teaching, foreign langua- ge packages such as “German for jurists” and “German in healthcare and nurs- ing professions”, as well as supporting materials for using film to teach German. For more information, please see www.oesterreichinstitut.at. Since December 2016, the Österreich Institut has been a full member of EUNIC Global, the network of the European Union National Institutes for Culture.

HONORARY CONSULATE

The approximately 340 honorary consulates in more than 130 countries supple- ment the Austrian diplomatic representations (embassies, consulates-general and Cultural Fora). Honorary consuls are committed to working to further Austri- an interest on a voluntary basis. They provide both the necessary staff and offices for their activities free of charge.

42 They provide a first point of contact for Austrian tourists and Austrians Abroad in places where there is no professional Austrian representation. Honorary con- suls are usually citizens of the host country who have strong ties to Austria. They have good relations with the local authorities and maintain contacts with entre- preneurs and creative artists in the region.

AUSTRIAN HISTORICAL INSTITUTE ROME (ÖSTERREICHISCHES HISTORISCHES INSTITUT ROM – ÖHI)

The Austrian Historical Institute Rome, which was founded in 1881, is one of the most important international academic institutions of the Republic of Austria. The academic activities of the Institute, which became a member of the Austri- an Academy of Sciences on January 1, 2012, are wide-ranging, from history and the history of art to archaeology, classical philology, Byzantine studies, Romance studies, music and theatre studies through to political science and the history of law. A significant number of publications, including the annual journal “Römische Historische Mitteilungen” published by the Institute, reflect the breadth of aca- demic interests that are actively pursued. The ÖHI awards a limited number of scholarships every year to support young academic talent. The extensive library at the Institute, the cultural-historical, historical and literary inventory of which is owned jointly by the Historical Institute and the Austrian Cultural Forum in Rome, comprises approximately 10,000 volumes, all of which are computerised, for the main part keyword-indexed, and accessible online. With the symposia, lectures and various other events that are regularly organ- ised and conducted by the ÖHI in collaboration with Austrian and Italian research institutions – and frequently in cooperation with the Austrian Cultural Forum in Rome – the Institute is a highly successful, representative platform for interdisci- plinary cultural and academic dialogue at the national and international levels.

43 44 THE EUROPEAN NETWORK

EUROPEAN UNION NATIONAL INSTITUTES FOR CULTURE

The European Union National Institutes for Culture, or EUNIC, was founded by 19 states (including Austria) in 2006. Having now grown to 36 national cultural insti- tutions and ministries from all EU member states, EUNIC now aims to increase the visibility of the cultural diversity in the EU, both within the EU and in third coun- tries, through joint projects in the area of intercultural dialogue, linguistic diversity, art, and civil society. Since 2001, EUNIC has been a non-profi t organisation based in Brussels, with sta- tutes and a General Assembly that meets twice a year to set the EUNIC goals and strategies. Since 2014, EUNIC is co-funded by the “Creative Europe” programme of the European Commission. In May 2017, based on the EU strategy for interna- tional cultural relations, an Administrative Arrangement was signed by the Coun- cil of the European Union between EUNIC, the EEAS (European External Action Service) and the European Commission. In addition to its central offi ce in Brussels (EUNIC Global, www.eunicglobal.eu), there are more than 100 local “clusters” world- wide in which the EUNIC members represented in a country work together. In order to form such a cluster, the local representatives of at least three EUNIC members need to participate. Each cluster represents the EU as a whole, regardless of how many members it has. By pooling the capacities and experience of the individual members, the local clusters can cooperate more effi ciently and sustainably with local, national and international organisations, and implement joint projects with a greater reach and impact. As an active founding member, Austria is represented in a large number of local clusters, often as the presiding country.

45 Department V.1 Department V.2 General and Legal Affairs, Implementation of Cultural and Cultural Agreements, Coordination, Scientific Projects Abroad Cultural Budget and Evaluation

Library of the Austrian Unit V.2.a Foreign Ministry Theatre, Literature, Dance, and Scientific Events, Platform Culture – Central Europe Unit V.1.a Cultural Public Relations UnitV.2.b Exhibitions and Digital Media

Unit V.1.b Cultural Budget Unit V.2.c Music and Film Unit V.1.c Culture and Science & Technology Agreements, Austrian Service Abroad Unit V.2.d Austria Libraries Abroad; Book Purchases Unit V.1.d “Rudolf Agstner” Historical Unit

46 ORGANIGRAM OF THE DIRECTORATE-GENERAL V: INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Department V.3 Department V.4 Scientifi c Cooperation; Multilateral Cultural Policy Dialogue of Cultures and Religions

Unit V.3.a Unit V.4.a Dialogue of Civilisations; United Nations Educational, Scientifi c Task Force “Dialogue of Cultures” and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) “Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue” Aff airs

Unit V.3.b Scientifi c Cooperation and Science Diplomacy

Responsible for content: Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs

Editors: Teresa Indjein, Peter Mikl, Christian Autengruber

Translation into English: Anna Güttel Proofreading: Brita Pohl

Print and binding: gugler* print

Vienna, 2021

Gedruckt nach der Richtlinie „Druckerzeugnisse“ des Österreichischen Umweltzeichens. gugler*print, Melk, UWZ-Nr. 609, www.gugler.at