Culture and politics united: Eve of honor for Bernhard Rinner in Graz

Culture and politics united: Eve of honor for Bernhard Rinner in Graz

In the magnificent treasury hall of the former state bank in Vienna, a significant meeting recently took place that highlighted the connection between culture and politics in Styria. Vice -Chancellor and Minister of Culture Werner Kogler (Greens) took the freedom to polish the famous line of Thomas Bernhard and thus exposed the close relationship between Styrian culture to the political world. He emphasized that culture in Styria has been maintaining a lively tradition for over fifty years and is far more than just a decorative additional performance. "It is important to give the creative space and to support it, even if the result cannot always be delighted or even painful," Kogler is quoted.

A central moment of the evening was the handover of the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art 1st Class to Bernhard Rinner, Managing Director of the Bühnen Graz. In his eulogy, Governor Christopher Drexler Rinner praised as a "bridge builder" and as a passionate fighter for the beautiful arts. Rinner, who, among other things, launched the Sound Light Festival in Graz, faced the challenges that arise due to political developments in the region in his words of thanks. While he thanked his employees and the family, he also reminded of the difficult conditions under which theater makers in neighboring countries such as Slovakia and Hungary have to work.

freedom of art as a central topic

An urgent plea for freedom of art shaped the evening. Rinner explained that freedom on the stages and in art was not only desired, but essential. "No matter how the elections went out, I will do everything I can to say that everything can be said on our stages and must also be said," he said. These words were very well received by those present, including many political sizes and cultural staff who paid him their support with strong applause.

The event ended with a positive outlook on the next phase of cultural cooperation in Styria, where the challenges of the future have to be addressed as well as the preservation of traditions. A way that Kogler and Rinner want to take together with their commitment and passion for the culture.