Arts of Change - Change of Arts 2025

The programme focuses on networking students from all six Austrian art academies, exchange/networking opportunities with artists and scientists and the guided implementation of trans- and interdisciplinary art projects as part of three compulsory core modules. 

The aim of the programme is to work in small project collectives to learn how artistic practices can be made more sustainable and to explore the potential of the arts to shape a future worth living. In ‘Arts of Change’ we are interested in questions such as: How can art and science meet through creative, innovative approaches? What transformations are necessary for a future worth living? The 2025 cohort will artistically explore narratives, stories and tales relating to climate change.

Applications can be submitted in German or English and students of all artistic/musical disciplines are eligible to apply. All participation costs are fully covered by the programme (arrival/departure by public transport, accommodation, vegetarian/vegan meals). In addition, successful applicants will receive a budget of 250 euros for project-related material costs, exchange opportunities with scientists and free artistic process coaching sessions with the project management.

Students will receive a final certificate for up to 7 ECTS for their participation. In November/December 2025, all artworks and musical compositions will be shown in a joint final event in exhibition spaces in Vienna and Graz.

Three compulsory core modules:

• CORE MODULE 1:
  Introduction: Sustainability in Art/Music & Science
  Dates: 20-23 March 2025
  Venue: IIASA Vienna, Laxenburg Castle
• CORE MODULE 2:
  Artistic collectives & socio-ecological transformation
  Dates: 9-11 May 2025
  Location: Fassfabrik Vienna Atzgersdorf
• CORE MODULE 3:
  Project finalisation & exhibition preparation
  Dates: 22-26 September 2025
  Location: Textile factory Hirschbach b. Gmünd

What else participants can expect:

• Main topics: Sustainability, art & socio-ecological transformation
• Three core modules in March, May and September (in English - applications and contact with the project management are possible in both German and English)
• Exchange opportunities with scientists (IIASA Vienna)
• Free artistic process support over the course of nine months

Networking with other motivated and committed art students (approx. 20 participants in total) and the alumni of the past five Arts of Change years.

Exhibition opportunities:

in October 2025 as part of the Consumer Dialogues on Water in Steyr, Upper Austria 
in winter 2025/26 depending on space availability at the participating universities

Curious? Then apply!

Let us know your answers to the following questions:

• At which art/music university are you studying (degree programme, course of study, etc.)?
• Please confirm your availability for all three core modules of the programme.
• How would you approach the topic of sustainability through your art/music?
• How do you think artists/musicians contribute to climate change?
• Tell us three of your artworks that could relate to our programme theme of narratives, storytelling and/or liveable futures.

Please apply:

By 26 February 2025 (23:00 CET) at the latest in a format of your choice (text, video, etc.) by email to arts_of_change@posteo.at

Students of all study programmes enrolled at one of the following six universities are eligible to participate:

• University of Applied Arts Vienna
• Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
• University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
• University of Fine Arts Graz
• University of Art and Design Linz
• Mozarteum University Salzburg