Cultural Development

In the year 2003, when Graz was cultural capital, there were many discussions about how to make sure that the achievements of this year have a long-lasting positive impact that continues after the end of the year.  

As a result of the cultural development process (initiated by Christian Buchmann in 2003 and continued by city councillor Werner Miedl in 2005) the Graz Cultural Dialogue was launched. These discussions are open to everybody who is actively or passively involved in art and culture.   

In addition to promoting an exchange of information, the Cultural Dialogue encourages public discussions on a number of different issues. The ultimate purpose of these open discussions is to collect the ideas and suggestions brought up by the cultural community, and make them actually come to life.

The first results of this interaction process were the installation of the general Advisory Board for Cultural Affairs (ABCA) and the different Expert Advisory Boards (EAB) for each branch. Additionally an annual culture and art report is now published, which gives an overview on the distribution of municipal culture funding.