East Tyrol makes HERstory: women's voices in the center of Lienz

East Tyrol makes HERstory: women's voices in the center of Lienz

The exhibition “Osttirol makes HERstory” attracted attention in downtown Lienz. It is located on Johannesplatz and offers passing city residents the opportunity to address issues such as women's health, gender roles and mental health. The official opening took place on October 1st and the exhibition will be on display until mid-November.

A team consisting of young women who are clients or employees of the pro mente center in Lienz created these impressive exhibits. Maria Auer, the director of the center, emphasizes that the goal is to make the personal realities of women's lives visible in public spaces. Through these works of art, the initiators offer insights into their own life stories and emphasize the themes of self-determination and potential.

Creative expression and personal reflection

One client describes her experience with the words: “Painting my experiences on paper gave me a renewed reflection on my biography.” This shows how important a project like this is for those involved. The motifs of the images are diverse: They range from dealing with drug problems to strengthening women's self-esteem. A central message from the community table makes it clear: “Women can be anything they want!”

At the opening, Mayor Elisabeth Blanik spoke about the need to anchor women's life stories more firmly in public perception. She noted that there are only a few streets and squares in Lienz with women's names and described the exhibition as an important step in the right direction. “Perhaps Lienz will have an ‘Elisabethplatz’ one day,” she said hopefully.

The collaboration within the project took place under therapeutic supervision, which meant that the clients were able to work on their biographies in a protected environment. Alexandra Breitegger, one of the supervisors, emphasizes the importance of offerings that are specifically designed for women by women. Various projects such as the “Women’s Story Café” and the “Women’s Week” are already being initiated at the pro mente center to promote exchange and support.

Pro mente Tirol is actively involved in providing professional support for people with mental illnesses. Around 300 employees look after around 1,300 clients every year. At the opening of the exhibition, Maria Auer praised the courage of the female artists to share their stories publicly. “We thank you with our applause,” she emphasized at the conclusion of the official part of the event.

In summary, the exhibition “Osttirol makes HERstory” invites you to get to know the moving life stories of the women involved. Visitors strolling through Johannesplatz in the coming weeks should take the time to take a closer look and be inspired by the stories.