Culture to Corona: Villach's small stages in the struggle for survival

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Die Kulturarbeit in Villach hat sich verändert: Michael Weger von der Neuen Bühne spricht über die Folgen der Pandemie, ein selektiveres Publikum und die Suche nach Sponsoren für nachhaltige Kultur.
The cultural work in Villach has changed: Michael Weger from the new stage speaks about the consequences of pandemic, a more selective audience and the search for sponsors for sustainable culture. (Symbolbild/DNAT)

In recent years, cultural work in Villach has experienced a noticeable change, which is particularly shaped by the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. Michael Weger, the director of the new stage Villach, emphasizes that the audience has changed significantly. It is not only the ideas that change, but also the expectations of the audience have become more complex.

"What do I do about culture for my money? What does something give me for my private life?", Asks Weger and explains that such considerations today predominate in people's minds. The content that is offered must either be profound or entertaining to win the audience. An example of this new direction is the piece "Dignity", which deals with the sensitive topic of euthanasia and surprisingly became a great success. Weger sees this a clear guide to the needs of the audience: "This is proof of what needs the audience of strong fabrics that they collect in their reality of life."

challenges of the cultural industry

Despite the return to a normal number of visitors, which resembles the period before pandemic, the cultural scene in Villach is faced with considerable challenges. Weger explains: "Although we are well attended again, the spectators use more discounts than ever." This means that despite the stability in the number of visitors, the income cannot record the same increase. "This means that we cannot increase our ticket prices, which further exacerbates the financial situation. Ultimately, less money remains in the cash register."

If you look at the funding landscape, Weger notes that it is stagnating. "Subsidies and funding have been the same for decades, while the cost of living has risen by 20 to 25 percent. At some point this is no longer possible." The new stage has therefore found itself in a reform process in which savings are possible, but reaches its limits. "After retirement, not all positions were filled. We can no longer be slimmer without accepting sustainable losses. On average, we have two and a half actors on stage, and we also arrived at a limit when planning."

The future of cultural work in Villach is on the brink. Weger emphasizes the need to take new ways to secure the financial basis. "Therefore, we started the call to search for sponsors in the Carinthian economy. The" Culture "initiative is intended to help reduce financial pressure. Without the support of financially strong sponsors, it will not be possible in the long term to maintain the cultural offer. ”

The challenges are enormous, but also the chances. At a time when the audience has become more selective, small cultural companies can find new ways through innovative ideas and direct addressing the spectators. Weger sees this a chance for the future if the necessary financial resources are provided. In a constantly changing cultural environment, it remains to be seen how the new stage will continue and whether it can find the support that she needs to remain. More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report www.meinbezirk.at .