PRESENTING THE AUSTRIAN CULTURAL FORUMS: TEL AVIV

July 6, 2016 / news, portraits/interviews

In 2001, the Austrian Cultural Institutes were rebranded as Austrian Cultural Forums. The current 29 Austrian Cultural Forums (ACF) are the main instruments for the implementation of the International Cultural Policy of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration, and Foreign Affairs. In line with the policy priorities and objectives, they implement and support cultural and scientific projects from Austria, and help young artists from Austria in their international endeavours. We have taken the 15th anniversary of the Austrian Cultural Forums as an opportunity to portray this network, their directors, and staff members.

AUSTRIAN CULTURAL FORUM TEL AVIV

Number of artists who were supported in 2015 by the Austrian Cultural Forum in Tel Aviv: 148
Average number of queries (for project proposals, of travel expenses, etc.) per year: 200

Name: Johannes Strasser
Email: johannes.strasser@bmeia.gv.at
Position: Head of the Austrian Cultural Forum Tel Aviv

I am particularly proud of this project: Initiating the first Austrian Music Night in Israel. This new event series, which took place for the first time in the fall of 2015 in Tel Aviv, aims to bring contemporary Austrian artists to the local Israeli audiences. The bands are always a NASOM-band and a local band. In 2016 concerts in Jerusalem and Eilat are planned, in 2015 the band Edi Nulz was our guest.

Most successful NASOM Act: A performance by the Austrian pianist Anna Magdalena Kokits performing as part of a duo together with the Israeli violinist Ori Wissner-Levy.

Cultural work means to me…: To facilitate an exchange between countries, people, and cultures. Cultural work makes it possible to address difficult or divisive subjects outside of the boundaries of politics.

MUSIC FROM AUSTRIA

Personal KF concert highlight: Conchita Wurst at the Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv in June, 2016.

MUSIC FROM ISRAEL

My Top 5 Acts / musicians from Israel: among others, Nadav Guedj, Idan Raichel, Jane Bordeaux, Avishai Cohen

The 3 best concert venues in Tel Aviv: Levontin 7, Clara Beach Club, Bustan

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Name: Maria Gierlinger-Landa
Email: maria.gierlinger-landa@bmeia.gv.at
Function: PA (including music) at the Austrian Cultural Forum Tel Aviv

I am particularly proud of this project: There is no one particular project. It is wonderful when evens run according to plan and we receive positive feedback.

Most successful NASOM Act: Concert by Mario Rom‘s Interzone at the Israel Festival 2014

Cultural work means to me…: To create international understanding between people through culture, to appeal to various audiences with a diverse offering. To be open-minded and accepting of new things.

MUSIC FROM AUSTRIA

Personal KF concert highlight: Performances by the Austrian-Israeli duo Anna Magdalena Kokits and Ori Wissner-Levy as part of “60 Years of Diplomatic Relations” in Tel Aviv, Akko and Jerusalem.

Best Music Video: Parov Stelar- “Demon Dance”

The song I would have liked to have written/the song I would have liked to compose: Wolfgang Ambros – “Da Hofa”

MUSIC FROM ISRAEL

My Top 5 Acts / musicians from Israel: Amal Murkus, Arkadi Duchin, Idan Raichel Project, Ehud Banai, Balkan Beat Box

The 3 best concert-places in Tel Aviv: Hangar 11 in the port of Tel Aviv, Block Club, Recanati Auditorium in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Rising (or hype) Act in 2015 in Israel: „Habib Galbi” from A-WA

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Link: Austrian Cultural Forum Tel Aviv