Textile curatorial text for the final exhibition of the Arts of Change 2025, year 6 – a symbol of care, sharing, story, and connection. Co-writing and co-creation Julia Herzog. Exhibited at MUMUTH – Haus für Musik und Musiktheater Foyer and Exhibit Eschenbachgasse.
recycled textile, threats
160x270cm
2025
Arts of Change is a coaching programme for music and art students. For six years, it has been a platform for bringing together various disciplines from the arts and science with the goal of finding creative ways to explore the topic of sustainability. Whether it’s different cultural backgrounds or fields of expertise, the programme welcomes those who want to collaborate, share and learn. As the artist and scientist Camille Belmin points out in one of the contributions to this exhibition, “the dialogue between arts and science requires time, understanding, openness and trust.”
For some of us, joint action may be a way of dealing with environmental issues and a path to self-discovery. Finding not only interpersonal but also interdisciplinary connections may seem like a challenge, but through collective effort motivated by a common goal, it becomes possible to explore these different spheres. With the power of sharing, art can then serve as a tool for both expression and connection.
The structure of the programme gives participating artists the motivation to find common topics, fields of interest and media. Following the theme of scenarios for a liveable future, participants worked on specific projects in small groups. During the process, we observed various needs and motivations for participating in the programme among the participants. Each of these collaborations needed time to develop, with changes of ideas and goals as well as in dynamics and composition of the groups.
This exhibition represents the result of joint research, experimentation and communication efforts of 23 participants in five working groups, with contributions by alumni and scientists. The artworks you can explore in this space are not the only product of the program. We have also learnt how others’ approaches influence us, when cooperation takes precedence over our own ego, how and when to set boundaries, and when, on the contrary, to provide our resources to support collective efforts. Even though satisfying all needs can be challenging in a collaborative setting, there is always something valuable resulting from it. Creative work, especially in small groups, can prevent loneliness, anxiety and the unpleasant state of numbness which we sometimes find ourselves in when confronting climate crisis. It can help regaining the hope that every single act can spark transformation.
Curated by Julia Herzog and Tereza Sykorova.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research, Climate and Energy Fund, Austria Student Union, University of Applied Arts Vienna, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, University of Art and Design Linz, and Mozarteum University Salzburg.