Long-Term Effects of the Linz09 Programme

The most important preconditions required for work on the programme of Linz09 were the autonomy of the artistic directors, a stable, predictable political environment and a solid financial basis. It goes without saying that not all culture capital organisations are able to work under these preconditions.

Linz09 structured its programming around a contemporary, up-to-date interpretation of culture completely devoid of ideological barriers. A playful approach that appealed to as many different groups of society as possible was essential. The programming mix proved effective in dealing with key issues relevant to the city, to Europe and the world.

Parts of the legacy of Linz09 will have a lasting effect on the city. Several projects, including HÖRSTADT [Acoustic City], KEPLER SALON, TURMEREMIT [The Hermit of the Tower], the festival NEXT COMIC and the PIXEL HOTEL will be continued beyond 2009. And the LINZ CHARTER, endorsed by the City Council of Linz as a political tool to tackle the problem of imposed noise, has already been adopted by several European cities.

The new challenges and new dimensions that became apparent in the work of people involved in the field of culture in the course of Culture Capital Year have resulted in experiences in project development and an improved level of qualification both on the part of institutions and independent artists. The international programme has brought about a general broadening of horizons.

To what extent these are lasting gains can only be judged in a few years’ time. The idea first mooted in Programme Book 3 that Linz had what it takes to be Austria’s most interesting city by 2015 has fallen on fertile ground and is now, after the end of Culture Capital Year, a recurring motif.

Linz09 has not fought shy of conflicts, as is amply demonstrated by the way it has dealt with the thorny issues of contemporary history. This fact may in itself account to some extent for the high quality of the programme and of the debate. For change actually to take place, an unprejudiced discourse is a crucial precondition. This is why culture has acquired greater significance in post-2009 Linz – both on the political level and in people’s daily lives.

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