Kunstforum Vienna threatens the closure - future of the scene in danger!

Kunstforum Vienna threatens the closure - future of the scene in danger!

Schleifmühlgasse, 1040 Wien, Österreich - The Kunstforum Vienna is about to end. Today, June 11, 2025, further details on the closure of the private exhibition house, which has existed since 1980, are to be announced. UniCredit Bank Austria had already announced the end of the art forum in December 2022. The trigger for this is the loss of sponsorship by the Signa, which was owner of the property until it was sold to Josef Rainer. The current economic conditions do not allow further operation of the art forum, which was previously considered the central backbone of the Viennese art scene.

Last year, the impending closure caused an outcry in the art scene. Numerous artists, including well -known names such as Erwin Wurm and Valie Export, protested in an open letter. In this situation, a transition period was agreed to find an alternative carrier structure. Director Ingried Brugger was to acquire new partners and sponsors with the support of the advisory board. But these efforts seem to have failed, since no sustainable solution has been found so far.

The future of the Abramović exhibition

A ray of hope could be the upcoming exhibition by Marina Abramović, which was to take place on October 2 in the Kunstforum. The exhibition, which was curated in Zurich, offers an extensive work overview and reenactments of historical performances. However, there are concerns that high ponder payments would be due in the event of a cancellation of the event, which also complicates the situation.

While the art forum is facing an uncertain future, the young art scene in Vienna is booming. In the fourth district, the collective around Felix Dennhardt, Agnes Varnai and Peter Varnai opened the offspace discoTec. The art space, which is located in Schleifmühlgasse, captivates with its central location near well -known galleries and restaurants. In the most recent vernissage, Dennhardt was proud of the great interest he noticed. In addition, there was performing art, including from women of the collective club Fortuna, who performed with ceramic objects behind a glass front.

The visibility of art and artists is particularly important. He emphasizes that it means a bitter loss for the creatives if they cannot present their work. At a time when the art forum may have to close its gates, the need for rooms for artistic expression in Vienna becomes increasingly clear.

As the art forum continues, it remains to be seen. However, the art scene in Vienna is in motion, and while some institutions may be on disposition, new venues and communities develop that carry on the creative potential of the city.

For more information, visit Kleine Zeitung, ORF Standard.