Call for projects for Festival of Regions 2019 

In 2019 the Festival of Regions will take place in the region of Perg-Strudengau, one of Upper Austria´s Leader-regions. The theme of the festival is Social Warmth. Exploring the concept of Social Warmth and what it may mean in today’s world is at the heart of the Festival of Regions 2019. How can it be sustained in times of Austerity and a political climate of Social Coldness? Is it about hospitality, conviviality, or collaborations? Is it doing things together like cooking and eating, sitting around the bonfire? Is it about solidarity, social cohesion or common good? What attitudes and actions can create it? What roles can individuals and communities play in its development? What could be models of Social Warmth? Is it a Utopian concept?

Leader Region Perg-Strudengau: in 2019 the Festival of Regions returns to its roots and opens itself up to a region. With its focus on the EU Perg-Strudengau Leader-region and its 24 municipalities in south-eastern Mühlviertel, within the political district of Perg, a connection with sun and heat is evident not only due to its eastern location in Upper Austria. Diverse activities of this Leader-cluster deal with the creation of value, conservation and protection of natural  resources and cultural heritage or focus on structures and functions of the common good.  The critical treatment of the past also shapes  people and the region: the “Region of Awareness”, consisting of the three communities of Mauthausen, Langenstein and St. Georgen, actively deals with the stigmatisation experienced in the past and works on it. Involvement in society and active-critical and forward-looking awareness raising are important driving forces, as well as diversity and complexity. This can be found in the thoughts and ideas of people and players, as well as in the diverse natural spaces of the region. More information can be found at www.fdr.at, www.pergstrudengau.at, www.perg.at, www.bewusstseinsregion.at
 
Call for applications
As part of its international call for applications the Festival of Regions invites those interested to apply under  two categories:

Projects: we welcome project proposals developed for the Festival of Regions from all artistic fields and genres. Projects for site-specific and participatory works are preferred, as well as concepts that deal with the festival theme or the social and cultural conditions of the region. 

Residencies: for the development of on-site projects, in cooperation with local stakeholders and citizens, which will be presented at the 2019 Festival of Regions. 

We welcome applications from artists with various experiences from different genres who are interested in participation and inclusion as well as experts from the fields of education, economics, politics and social work. 

Deadline: June 20, 2018 
 
Submission: Please use our online-form or send it by post: Festival der Regionen, Marktplatz 12, 4100 Ottensheim, Austria

Components of the submission

Project: description and objectives (max. 1,500 characters) including meaningful visualisation in the form of sketches, photos, maps; spatial-situational, organisational and technical requirements; brief biographies of the project participants; schedule for development and implementation; calculation and financial plan (see also calculation template at www.fdr.at); contact addresses, e-mail, website (when available).    

Residencies: detailed curriculum vitae and max. 2-page text in which you describe your way of working, why you are interested in the work processes mentioned and what you hope for or expect from the cooperation. 

Submission in German or English. Information: www.fdr.at or T +43 (0)7234 85285

Selection method: with the support of an independent, internationally staffed programme advisory commission, the festival´s board and directors will draw up a shortlist. The artistic director will design the festival programme from the selected projects. All programme decisions will be made excluding any recourse to legal action.

Local viewing: on May 25, 2018, 2pm, there will be an opportunity for a joint visit of the festival region together with the artistic director. Meeting point: Perg Town Square, Registration requested at: office [​at​] fdr.at

Conversations with the artistic director of the Festival of Regions are offered in person or via Skype. Please contact Airan Berg at opencall [​at​] fdr.at

About the organization
The Festival of Regions is an independent association supported by the Province of Upper Austria and the Office of the Federal Chancellor/Arts. Board: Susanne Blaimschein, Dagmar Höss, Gerald Priewasser-Höller.  

Artistic Director: Airan Berg. Administrative Director: Barbara Mitterlehner.