Getting Across Contemporary History
Press Release
23 February 2009
It Comes from Linz
Altes Rathaus (Renaissance Room)
Hauptplatz 1, 4020 Linz
Host: Mayor Franz Dobusch
Linzers are invited to select an object—something commonplace or extraordinary, artistic or kitschy, precious or cheap—that links them to their city, and to present it and tell about it. At five different locations such as City Hall, the Schloss Museum, or the Bethlehemstraße Synagogue, Linzers will meet hosts/hostesses who likewise have a few things to present and say. They’ll all get involved in conversations that make it clear that history is everybody’s business, that everyone can talk about history and establish a position on it, that things have narratives to relate and thus can help preserve remembrance.
Please RSVP to Julia Bito by phone or e-mail: 0664/8283866, julia.bito@linz09.at.
Linz under the Magnifying Glass
1st Presentation
Friday, March 6, 2009, 4 PM
Linz Main Train Station// Upper Level on the right
Bahnhofsplatz 3-6, 4020 Linz
Guest: Petar Radisavljevic
Participants in “Linz under the Magnifying Glass” will get a close-up look at addresses and situations around town. Six times over the course of the year, Linzers will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at places such as the train station, the main square and the Jewish cemetery that have played key roles in the events of this city’s recent history. At each one of them, citydwellers will encounter a guest who will relate his/her own personal account having to do with that place.
The program doesn’t offer a classic city tour; instead, it invites participants to pose questions, to express their own opinions and views, and to get involved in a dialog with the people and places involved.
1st Presentation:
“Coming and Going” / The Linz Train Station: A close-up look at an everyday place
How does a train station determine our life? Does it have any influence at all? Facets, elements and impressions of one of the cityscape’s banal yet, at the same time, incredibly important facilities. Narrated and moderated by Petar Radisavljevic and tour guide Casimir Paltinger.
The two series entitled “It Comes from Linz” and “Linz under the Magnifying Glass” are part of the Getting Across Contemporary History project.
Getting Across Contemporary History
A contribution to actively confronting a difficult chapter of history
You’re not compelled to; you ought not to; don’t say or write anything; keep a low profile; most cultural programs are strictly for passive consumption. Well, Linz09 is reacting to this state of affairs and seeking to foster reactions. A number of different projects are being linked together, making the city itself a locus of contemporary historical experiences. All over Linz, there are reminders of the urban planning that Hitler promoted; the city is thus a place for remembrance and a memorial in its own right. History is everywhere and it’s everybody’s business: Linzers young and old, school classes, tourists, visitors, friends, guests, fans. All are welcome to ask questions, engage in research, get excited, feel delight or simply marvel.
The “History Book” being published in conjunction with the Getting Across Contemporary History project will be presented on Friday, February 27, 2009.
IDEA / CONCEPT // Hannah Landsmann, Daniele Karasz, Adam Wieczorkowski
