Cooperation

quartier21 is an unique and internationally renowned creative cluster within the cultural complex MuseumsQuartier Vienna. It is a support structure that offers space and support to more than forty small and medium-sized autonomous cultural initiatives within the MQ Wien.
quartier21 encompasses a total of approx. 7,000 square with more than 60 autonomous cultural institutions.  More than 250.000 people (2008) visit events at the quartier21 and more than 3.6 millions the MuseumsQuartier as a whole.

The topics digital culture, fashion and design emerged from the dynamics of the local cultural scenes and the developments since its opening in 2002. The quartier21/MQ aims for an increased internationalization and therefore plans to organize an international exhibition on the emphasized topics of the quartier21/MQ digital culture, fashion and design

An Artist-in-Residence program fosters international, project-related exchange and is financed with the aid of private sponsors. Each year, the program is able to invite about 40 artists from other countries to realize joint projects with the resident cultural initiatives on location, consequently promoting the establishment of international networks.

1.) Contributions to the cooperation “freiraum/quartier21 international”:

- quartier21/MQ provides the exhibition space “freiram/quartier21 international” for five to six projects each year free of charge
- quartier21/MQ bears all operating expenses of the exhibition space (electricity, heating, gas, etc.)
- quartier21/MQ helps coordinating the exhibition projects with own staff
- quartier21/MQ offers a limited number of studios within the “artist-in residence” program
- quartier21/MQ offers a scholarship of monthly 1.050€ for all the artists within the “artist-in-residence”-program.
- quartier21/MQ produces all forms of different prints for the project (invitations, posters, folder, etc.)
- quartier21/MQ promotes all exhibition projects in the media (national and international media presence)
- quartier21/MQ labels all activities with existing MQ light boxes (guidance system)
- quatier21/MQ helps with PR and media

2.) Contributions of the BMeiA as co-operations partner of “freiraum/quartier21 international”:

- BMeiA promotes actively and timely the call for proposals
- BMeiA acts as an interface between quartier21/MQ and international cultural institutions
- BMeiA supports the projects with € 2.000,00 for each exhibition projects, which means with a total of € 12.000,00 each year
- BMeiA helps quartier21/MQ with the choice of submitted projects
- BMeiA promotes all nominated and realized projects at the BMeiA Homepage, Newsletter etc.

3.) Selection procedure

The selection of suggested projects is made by experts of quartier2/MQ with the agreement of the cultural section of the BMeiA and excluding the jurisdiction of a court.
 

Call for proposals on Digital Culture, Fashion and Design

Quartier21 in the MuseumsQuartier Vienna in cooperation with the BMeiA welcomes proposals for international exhibitions with the emphasis on digital culture, fashion and design.
Freiraum/quartier21, an exhibition hall with more than 280 m², is available for cultural events and exhibitions. The adjacent AiR base is the stage for events within the Artist-in-Residence program of the quartier21.
Due to the increased cooperation with the BMeiA and its Cultural Forums overseas, the Freiraum/quartier21 should be available for cross-national exhibitions beginning in fall 2009. It also should help to internationalize and galvanize cultural offerings in Vienna.

People interested in the program are invited to submit their proposals for exhibition projects to the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington.

1.) General Information

Since the beginning of 2003, five live/work studios have been available in quartier21 to international artists who do not normally reside in Austria. Two of the studios are located on the top floor of the Oval Wing (approx. 43 square meters each) and three are in Courtyard 7 (77 and 53 square meters), architectural concept:
These studios will be predominantly linked to the cultural providers of quartier21. In special case, the studios can be allocated to applicants recommended by other cultural institutions.

The objective of this program is to expand the role of the MuseumsQuartier Wien as one of the world's largest contemporary cultural complexes over the medium and long term, above all through the active and continuous involvement of international creative artists, and to promote international cultural exchange, in particular with Austria's direct neighbors and other European countries.

The financing of the studio program is accomplished with the assistance of sponsors (currently Erste Bank and Wiener Stadtwerke) and allows us to make the studios available free of charge along with a monthly stipend. Other cooperations are existing with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs/cultural department and the program "tranzit".

2.) Conditions and Award Process

Stipends are awarded for a minimum period of two month and a maximum of six months. Only in exceptional case a period of less than two, but a minimum of one month is possible.
Stipends in quartier21 require the artists' presence on location, i.e. artists are required to spend at least three quarters of the stipend period in the MuseumsQuartier.
There are no age limits for stipends. English language skills are required. Decisions on awarding the artist studios are made by the management of MuseumsQuartier Errichtungs- und BetriebsgesmbH. Upon award of a stipend, the respective cultural provider receives an agreement and house rules for forwarding to the artist. The stipend is deemed to have been awarded with binding effect upon the signing of the agreement by the cultural provider and may be revoked by the management of MuseumsQuartier Errichtungs- und BetriebsgesmbH in the event of a violation of the house rules, etc. The cultural provider provides a security deposit in the amount of EUR 500 at the beginning of the stay for the payment in the event of damage in studio and equipment. Presentation of the recommendation by the cultural provider or other cultural institutions does not automatically establish the right to award of a stipend.
In case of events within the context of the quartier21 Artist-in-Residence Program, the residency has to be mentioned on printed matters, press releases etc.

3.) Compensation Provided by MuseumsQuartier Errichtungs- und BetriebsgesmbH

MuseumsQuartier Errichtungs- und BetriebsgesmbH makes the studios available for the duration of the stipend including all utilities (note: no telephone or Internet connection currently available in the studios).
The artist is given EUR 1,050.00 per month to cover expenses. These funds are paid out by MuseumsQuartier Errichtungs- und BetriebsgesmbH. Coordination of selection and time scheduling as well as support service for the artist in cooperation with the recommending institution.

4.) Coordination and Supervision

The artist-in-residence program is currently coordinated by staff of the MQ E+B Ges. - Elisabeth Hajek (quartier21 Coordination). For the organization of travel to the MuseumsQuartier, the logistics of moving into the studio with an introduction to the MQ complex, and general questions and organizational matters, the artist can contact quartier21 Coordination or MuseumsQuartier Errichtungs- und BetriebsgesmbH. A list with contacts will be provided to artists at the commencement of their stay.

Basic support for the recommended stipend recipients is primarily provided by the respective cultural provider. The objective is to involve the invited created artists as intensively as possible in the operation of quartier21. In particular, in the course of or as a result of their stay in the MQ, the international artists should also be given an opportunity to present their works or projects developed in collaboration with the inviting and supporting quartier21 partners.

5.) Registration and Documentation

The call for proposals for the program “freiraum/quartier21 international” has to be sent per mail to:

Austrian Cultural Forum Washington
3524 International Court NW
Washington, DC 20008

and should include the following:
- Application letter
- Completed application form
- Short documentation of the concept (max. 1500 letters)
- CV (name, education, exhibitions, professional experience, etc.)
- Visual and/or audio material (
- Factsheet “Technical Rider”
- Financing plan (incl. personal contribution, private sponsors and public support)
- Co-operation partners (e.g. museums, galleries, cultural institutes, etc.)
- Timetable for project development and project implementation
- The whole proposal should not exceed 20 pages (DIN-A4)

Dealines for application:
- November 30, 2009 (fashion)
- January 31, 2010 (digital culture)
- April 30, 2010 (design)
- June 30, 2010 (digital culture)
- August 31, 2010 (fashion)

Visual or audio material or catalogs remain in the possession of MuseumsQuartier Errichtungs- und BetriebsgesmbH for documentation purposes.

If an applicant is chosen, he or she will receive confirmation in writing.

For more information please contact:

Andrea Schrammel
Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington
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OR

Elisabeth Hajek
MuseumsQuartier E+B Ges.
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