(c) Markus Achatz
(c) Markus Achatz
IGTTPKK
Choreographic Platform Austria
First of all, in general: What does the IG Theater Tanz Performance in Kärnten/Koroška do? How are you organized? And since when have you been active?
Markus Achatz
The IG Theater Tanz Performance Kärnten/Koroška is the representative body for artists in the field of performing arts in Kärnten/Koroška and was founded in 2017. It serves as the point of contact for IG Freie Theaterarbeit for the state of Kärnten.
In addition to networking, IG TTP KK also handles mediation work and gives artists a voice to advocate for better working conditions in Kärnten/Koroška.
Particularly noteworthy are the regular board meetings, round tables, and workshops where there is a lively exchange among independent groups, and everyone can bring forward their concerns. These are then prepared and forwarded to funding agencies to jointly develop improvements on an equal footing. In recent years, we have advanced pressing issues such as minimum fees, FairPay, earlier application deadlines, and the shortage of space in Kärnten/Koroška.
CPA
To what extent are you in exchange with similar organizations in other federal states?
Markus Achatz
The most significant exchange/contact definitely takes place with the IG Freie Theaterarbeit in Vienna, as Ulrike Kuner (Executive Director) is on our extended board. Otherwise, more exchange with other organizations could certainly take place, but since we are all very occupied with our artistic work and our associations, it is often difficult to manage time-wise.
CPA
What advantages do dancers and performers gain by joining you?
Markus Achatz
It may sound trivial, but by joining us, dance would gain an even broader voice and representation, and there would be more exchange about dance during the meetings. Currently, the board is very theater-focused, so more theater-related issues are advanced.
CPA
Are there also opportunities to get involved and contribute to shaping things yourself?
Markus Achatz
Certainly. All ideas can be brought up at the meetings, and if possible, they are implemented in a participatory and democratic manner.
CPA
How do you see the dance and performance scene in Kärnten from a broad perspective? Are there any developments from recent years that you find particularly interesting or worth mentioning?
Markus Achatz
As far as I can judge as someone involved in theater, the dance and performance scene in Kärnten still struggles to establish itself. Many people tend to move to Vienna or other cities. However, there are certainly individuals and initiatives doing incredibly impressive work:
Andrea K. Schlehwein + NETZWERK AKS have been tirelessly producing international-level dance theater in the ART SPACE at Stift Ossiach for years, though they are not immune to budget cuts.
Festival Pelzverkehr, curated and organized by Ingrid Türk-Chlapek, which we hope will continue
Leonie Humitsch / freitanz, with sensual productions like Herz 2.0
Dušana Baltić and Valentin Alfery / Hungry Sharks (when they perform in Kärnten)
Center for Choreography Bleiburg/Pliberk (CCB), most recently seen with the major Christine Lavant production "Ich bin in allem maßlos"
Urban Playground, a cultural and sports association promoting and living urban art and culture in Kärnten with much idealism
Spectrum Festival in Villach (Martin Dueller and Stefanie Sternig), which brings progressive dance and performance forms to Kärnten with free admission
The refreshing collective kopp23 (Martina Rösler, Birgit and Nicole Radeschnig, Stefan Feinig, Mathias K. Bucher) with tterrittorrio on the Pečnik meadow in Lepen/Lepena
CPA
Can you tell us a bit about your new rehearsal space K1? How can interested parties use it?
Markus Achatz
Since April 2024, there has finally been a rehearsal space for the representatives of the performing arts in Kärnten/Koroška at Kardinalplatz 1, in the heart of Klagenfurt.
In the fall of 2023, we (Sarah Rebecca Kühl and Markus Achatz from Theater Waltzwerk) were initially offered the entire premises as a rehearsal space, which, of course, was not feasible for a small association. However, this led to the idea of renting and managing the space with IG TTPKK for the entire independent scene and finally addressing the significant shortage of space for the independent scene in Kärnten/Koroška. After successful negotiations by Sarah Rebecca Kühl with the property management and owner, a unique offer was achieved, and a lease agreement was signed for three years.
With a financial plan and usage concept, a site visit was conducted at the end of 2023 with Brigitte Winkler-Komar (Cultural Department of the Province of Kärnten) and Alexander Gerdanovits (Culture City of Klagenfurt). All attendees agreed on the perfect location (the theater/venues VENTIL and Kammerlichtspiele are in the immediate vicinity) and usability of the location, and they approved the project. After some preliminary work and minor renovations, the rehearsal operation started on April 1, 2024, with the official opening taking place on June 24, 2024, with representatives from the independent scene and politics.
The facility offers over 400 square meters across two floors: two rehearsal rooms (84m² and 56m²), two offices (already rented by Hungry Sharks, VADA, and Theater Waltzwerk), a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, shower, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and two spacious common areas. In the near future, a third rehearsal room will be made usable through insulation. Additionally, the smaller 56m² room already has a dance floor, and the larger room will be equipped with one as the next purchase.
All information regarding rental and prices can be found on the website. The contact person is Susanna Buchacher.
CPA
Is there anything you would like to share with dancers and performers who are new to Kärnten or are looking to become active there?
Markus Achatz
Don’t be discouraged by bureaucratic hurdles; be persistent, live and love your art, and quality will prevail. Don’t leave — diversity and new talent are needed. Network, invite people from funding agencies and the scene.
IGTTPKK