VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR TIEFENRAUSCH

Press information, 24th April 2008

Art in the Underground Passageways and Cellars of Linz

Art within the city! As a follow-up to “Schaurausch,” last year's Landstraße viewing spree, the OK and Linz09 proudly present “Tiefenrausch” (rapture of the deep). This time, an interesting array of artists, cultural scholars and philosophers are descending into Linz’s depths, into the city’s underground passageways and subterranean realms.
Together with tour groups, they’ll be exploring the inscrutable, encountering deserted places, spaces charged with remembrance, as well as active below-ground production sites that deliver to us—subcutaneously, you might say—the basic necessities of everyday life. The “Tiefenrausch” venues are the OK, the Aktienkeller, Landstraße, crypts, subterranean galleries, cisterns and the plaza in front of the OK.

Linz 2009 European Capital of Culture is cooperating with the OK Center for Contemporary Art to organize a volunteer project in conjunction with “Tiefenrausch.”

Linz09 and OK are looking for people interested in getting involved on a temporary basis in an official European Capital of Culture volunteer program within the framework of this extraordinary exhibition format. These honorary aides with serve as assistants to the official expedition guides during tours of the Linz underground.

We’re seeking men and women age 18 and up who are in a position to contribute several hours a week (about four hours per shift) to this project. Ideal candidates are curious about Linz’s subterranean world, adventurous, sociable, and interested in contemporary art and local history. Please NOTE: those who are even slightly claustrophobic need not apply!

In return, Linz09 and OK are offering volunteers free meals on the days they’re in service, team clothing, as well as an opportunity to get a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at “Tiefenrausch” and to enjoy fascinating encounters with artists, people involved in producing cultural events, and visitors from all over the world.

If you’re interested and would like to get details, please contact the headquarters of Linz 2009 Kulturhauptstadt Europas OrganisationsGmbH at Gruberstraße 2, 4020 Linz, T +43 (0)732/2009, E-mail mitmachen@linz09.at. The application form is available online.

During the Capital of Culture year, there will be lots of other opportunities to serve as a volunteer in various capacities: mobile Infopoints (in conjunction with major events, exhibitions, receptions, etc.); welcome service at the train station, airport and downtown; event guides; ticketing (day-of-performance ticket sales, ticket takers); guest services (guides, on-site aides); shuttle service drivers; artists’ minders and VIP service; traffic organization (parking lot attendants and security guards); coat-check people and stage hands.