Culture connected: Diocese of Linz takes stock of the Capital of Culture project!

Culture connected: Diocese of Linz takes stock of the Capital of Culture project!

Bad Ischl, Österreich - A review of the project "Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024" by the Diocese of Linz shows a wealth of creative initiatives and permanent impressions. Among other things, a church-sound festival, water pilgrims along the Traun and the "Great World-Space Way" were realized by the impressive stone desert of the Dead Mountains. Teresa Kaineder, who was responsible for the projects in Bad Ischl and Gmunden, said in an interview that it initially cost overcoming to accept the church as a serious partner. But it quickly turned out that the church not only offers space for culture, but also acts as a reliable partner who attracts many people. This is how Kaineder recalled the tireless commitment of the pastor Christian Öhler, who died in September, whose open manner inspired many artists but also the population to participate in the cultural events.

Kaineder emphasizes that the collaboration with various cultural workers in Bad Ischl and Gmunden was extremely successful. The parishes opened their doors for cultural encounters with prominent guests such as Klaus Maria Brandauer and Anja Plaschg. Projects such as water pilgrims and the "Great World-Space Way" brought together not only cultural lovers, but also locals. Even if questions about the use of church rooms arose, the experience showed: "Culture connects." In the course of the year, significant networks were created in the areas of culture, tourism and politics, and a team of experts for culture in the parish of Bad Ischl was founded to secure the results permanently.

final spectacle on December 13th

To celebrate the project, the A-cappella ensemble Lala will perform on December 13th in the parish church of Bad Ischl. This not only marks the end of the Capital of Culture initiative, but also the highlight of several months of intensive cultural activities that have enriched and stimulated the region. The ecclesiastical initiatives of the Diocese of Linz once again show how closely culture and spirituality are connected and what positive effects these synergies can achieve, such as Dioezese Linz confirmed.