The steirischer herbst 2024 has officially kicked off, transforming Graz into a hub of cutting-edge contemporary art and provocative performances from September 19 to October 13. This year’s edition, curated by Ekaterina Degot, promises a captivating exploration of national identities, political myths, and artistic expressions, while engaging the public in meaningful dialogue about the world we live in today.

The festival opened on September 19 with a series of events across the city. The grand ceremony took place at the Lesliehof in Joanneumsviertel, followed by the vernissage of the main exhibition, Horror Patriae, at the Neue Galerie Graz. The night ended with an electrifying performance by Natalia Pschenitschnikova and a party at Helmut List Halle, ensuring the perfect start to the festival.

One of the highlights, the Horror Patriae exhibition, will run until February 2025 and dives deep into the complex and often dark heritage of national museums. It reimagines them as spaces haunted by outdated imperial narratives, merging historical objects with contemporary works. Visitors are invited to explore how these artifacts continue to shape national ideologies.

Throughout the festival, newly commissioned performances will tackle topics such as national myths and identity. Highlights include Yoshinori Niwa’s installation “Cleaning a Poster During the Election Period Until It Is No Longer Legible” and Ari Benjamin Meyers’ Nation of Sleep, which examines the collective unconsciousness of a nation.

For fans of political discourse, the herbst Deathmatches return, featuring debates on hot-button issues like European identity, nationalism, and the local versus global dichotomy. On September 21, intellectuals Boris Buden and Eric Frey will go head-to-head on the question, “Is Peace OK?”, inviting the audience to weigh in with their opinions.

The herbstkabarett series brings humor and sharp social critique to the festival, with performances like I Incest by László Göndör and Die Genderpolizei by hannsjana. These intimate cabaret shows at Forum Stadtpark blend satire with performance art, offering a lighter yet equally impactful reflection on modern society.

Musically, the festival will host the ORF musikprotokoll from October 3 to 6, exploring the role of freedom and constraint in music. Featuring a wide range of performances from experimental compositions to avant-garde soundscapes, musikprotokoll is a must-attend for those interested in the cutting edge of sound art.

With over 20 local projects accompanying the festival, steirischer herbst 2024 invites audiences to explore the intersection of art, politics, and society. Whether you’re attending a provocative debate, experiencing a haunting performance, or simply wandering through an exhibit, the festival offers a rich and immersive experience of contemporary culture.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this thought-provoking celebration of art and ideas in Graz. Tickets are available for the entire festival, and many performances and exhibits are free to the public. Come and be part of the conversation.

More info: https://www.steirischerherbst.at/de/