Bregenz Festival 2025: Political debates and art in focus!

Bregenz Festival 2025: Political debates and art in focus!

Bregenz, Österreich - The ceremonial opening of the Bregenz Festival 2025 took place on Wednesday morning. Among the guests were Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Christian Stocker, who visited the cultural highlight together in the impressive backdrop of Lake Constance. Vice -Chancellor and Minister of Culture Andreas Babler gave a sensational speech in which he pointed out social grievances.

In his basic speech, van der Bellen emphasized the need for cohesion and a positive mindset in uncertain times. He recognized the current crises and their challenges and highlighted the role of art and culture as an important element for identity and social courage. He called three principles for the future: recognize reality, lifelong learning and mobility to strengthen society and individuals.

social justice in focus

Andreas Babler dealt with the growing inequality in Austria. He criticized authoritarian tendencies and demanded social freedom for all citizens. A central concern of his speech was the discussion of the increasing cost of living and its effects on the population. These problems, according to Babler, required empathy and community action to achieve a social balance.

In addition, he thanked the numerous contributors of the Bregenz Festival, whose cultural contributions are of great importance for society. The neo-director Lilli Paasikivi heads the festival in her first season, which also includes George Enescus Opera œdipe.

financial challenges of the festival

The Bregenz Festival, however, faces financial challenges due to a drastic reduction in funding. According to current information, the sponsors, consisting of the federal government, Land Vorarlberg and the city of Bregenz, have reduced their support by a third. While previously 6.9 million euros were available, it is now only just under 4.9 million euros. As a result, the spoken theater rail must be dispensed with in the next two years.

The Bregenz Festival is known for their impressive open -air stage, which is considered the largest in the world. Her first “game on the lake” took place in 1946, where operettas were first listed. With the opening of the seaside stage in 1949, the foundation for modern productions and special stage technology was laid.

The history of the festival is characterized by a change to the opera, with milestones such as "The Flying Dutch" 1973 and "Carmen" 1974. In 2010, the production of "AIDA" reached a budget of 20 million euros, of which 75% themselves were generated. The festival has attracted thousands of visitors over the years and have become a central part of the Austrian cultural scene.

The Bregenz Festival is not only a cultural event, but also a reflection of social developments and challenges that Austria currently employ. In particular, the combination of artistic expression and current social debates gives this event a special meaning.