UNESCO Talk | Regenerative Cultural Work Between Crisis and Transformation

The arts and culture sector is under pressure. Budgets are being cut across Austria, and the situation for freelance artists, cultural workers, and cultural institutions is becoming increasingly critical. Constantly new demands for a professionally, sustainably, and fairly operating cultural sector lead to a tension that complicates transformation.

How can we succeed in not pitting culture against nature despite all the restrictions? What means can regenerative cultural work use to strengthen local communities as a social and ecological breeding ground? What framework conditions do artists and cultural workers need to be able to carry out this work?

With contributions from climate ambassador Lea Brückner, author Sarah Kuratle, Daniela Koweindl (IG Bildende Kunst), and other guests.

The term "Regenerative Cultural Work," initiated by IG Kultur Vorarlberg, understands cultural enterprises as living and constantly changing systems that not only respond to crises but also actively and reflectively create a flourishing environment. In the UNESCO talk "Regenerative Cultural Work Between Crisis and Transformation," the potentials of art and cultural work within the framework of responsible cultural policy will be discussed and formulated in a recommendation for action for the future.

At the international level, UNESCO is significantly committed to anchoring culture as a central pillar of the Sustainable Development Agenda. Against this backdrop, UNESCO published its first World Culture Report in the fall of 2025, which brings together ecological, social, and cultural dimensions. In cooperation with IG Kultur Vorarlberg, the advocacy group for independent cultural institutions, the Austrian UNESCO Commission invites you to a discursive evening with insights from artists and experts from the fields of art, culture, environment, and politics. The evening takes place as part of the retreat of the UNESCO Working Group on Cultural Diversity.

The retreat is funded by the Austrian UNESCO Commission from the budget of the contact point, granted by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sports, as well as the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, the State of Vorarlberg, and the City of Feldkirch.

Admission is free.