Testimonials Visiting Curators Vienna 2023
The Verein K residency was an excellent introduction to Vienna’s art scene. The format is great, offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with many people over a relatively short period of time. I was impressed by what the organizers are able to accomplish. Their program is a remarkable act of public service, enriching Vienna’s artistic community, and expanding transnational networks of exchange and solidarity. We learned a lot from the group studio visits and museum tours, and I was particularly grateful for the more focused individual meetings. There is no doubt that the bonds we formed will translate into life-long friendships, as well as meaningful collaborations in years to come. Thank you Dejan, Jelena, and Klaus, and thank you to all the artists, fellow curators, and cultural workers who generously met with us during our stay.
– Amin Alsaden (Canada)
Verein K’s curatorial programme distinguishes itself by the attentive care and customised programme prepared by its team and jurors. Over the course of 10 days, a series of visits to artists both individually and as a group, institutional exhibitions, and gallery tours gave a wide and varied insight into the cultural production and creative output of Vienna’s art scene. These encounters provide an appropriate amount of time to learn about an assortment of practices and delve into conversations about shared interests and the local context. The group setting also gave valuable connections among the invited international peers along with the local perspective of the organisers. Thank you for the conversations and discussions, the introductions, and the schedule which has already brought about expected and unexpected collaborations.
– Àngels Miralda (Spain)
Having participated in the Visiting Curators Vienna 2023 program, I can confidently attest to the invaluable experience it provides for curators seeking a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary Viennese art scene. This fifth edition of the curators-in-residence program, spanning ten enriching days in November 2023, offered me a unique platform to delve into the rich cultural landscape of Vienna together with three inspiring colleagues.
The program’s well-crafted itinerary was very attentive to each of our own specific interests and encompassed a diverse range of activities, including artists’ studio visits, museum tours, exploration of off spaces and guided gallery tours through selected exhibitions. The curated program not only showcased the vibrant Austrian contemporary art scene but also facilitated meaningful interactions with fellow curators and artists in Vienna’s art community.
What sets Visiting Curators Vienna apart is its commitment to fostering long-term connections. By providing a conducive environment for networking and collaboration, the program encouraged us to engage deeply with the local scene. I have also much appreciated the commitment to inclusivity which adds richness to the overall experience.
In conclusion, my participation in Visiting Curators Vienna was both enlightening and transformative. I extend my gratitude to the selection committee and the Verein K team for curating an exceptional program that nurtures collaboration and much needed space for intellectual thought and dialogue.
– Corina Oprea, Romania
I could not recommend the curatorial residency programme enough; it was my first visit to the city of Vienna and the Verein K team made it possible to get to know the vivid art and culture scene within an intense program of ten days. I’m impressed by the hospitality and generosity of the Verein K team, as well as their professionalism which enabled everything to run smoothly. I felt cared for and supported before my arrival till the last day of the residency. The studio visits that comprise various practices of different generations of artists and cultural workers, and particularly the carefully picked individual studio visits according to our interests were my personal highlights. I also appreciated the selection of four participating curators from different backgrounds, geographies, and practices, which made the conversations we shared richer. I’m most happy with the fact that our paths, as I do believe, will cross again in near future with some of the artists and fellow curator colleagues I met during the residency, and I’m grateful to Verein K team for enabling this inspiring and heart-warming exchange.
– Seda Yildiz, Turkey
Verein K is an independent arts and cultural organization from Vienna, founded in 2017. Verein K focuses on projects in the field of contemporary art and culture connecting diverse cultural and social interests: critical approaches to contemporary art, creating curatorial platforms as well as enabling innovative cultural practices including diverse social groups.