ART, WHATEVER IT TAKES

Since the early pandemic in 2020, Rome Art Program has conducted a series of interviews, “Art, Whatever It Takes.”
Artists, Art Critics, and Art Historians living in Italy, the U.S., and U.K., share their insights during these powerful times.

Interview with Teresa Indjein

Teresa Indjein, born in Vienna, studied law, music and languages, joined the Austrian foreign service in 1992, assignments in Poland, the US, Germany and Italy.

From 2012 – 20215 deputy director general for cultural policy.

From 2016 – 2022 director general for cultural policy at the Austrian MFA, with numerous publications.

She is currently the Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Rome.

RAP: When and how was your Institution founded?

Teresa Indjein: The Austrian Historical Institute was founded in 1881. The building where the Institute and the Austrian Cultural Forum (formerly called: Cultural Institute) are now operating was built from 1935 to 1938. Activities such as Cultural Institute and History Department started after WWII, during the year 1950.

RAP: Are there similar Institutions of yours in other Countries in the world?

Teresa: There are 30 Austrian Cultural in the world, most of them are in Europe. There are two in the US, the Austrian Cultural Forum New York, and one in DC which is a part of the Austrian Embassy. Cultural diplomacy is an essential part of Austrian foreign policy.

RAP: What are the main objectives towards which your activity is oriented?

Teresa: We foster cooperation between Italy and Austria in the arts and sciences. Our work is based on the spirit of human rights, the protection of democracy, digital humanism, we do have a focus on women’s rights and deal with many aspects of sustainability and new consciousness, with respect to nature.

RAP: Is there a project, or event, of which you are particularly proud?

Teresa: In 2002 we launched a programme called “The NewAustrian sound of music” with a selection of the best among young musicians in Austria, in all styles. I am happy the program continues to create 300 – 400 international concerts and shows for amazing musical newcomers from Austria, in more than 65 countries every year.

RAP: Is Goethe’s Viaggio in Italia – Grand Tour still a ‘pattern’ for Institutions, artists and researchers today?

Teresa: Yes, it is, I often marvel at this tradition. Rome and Italy are artistically as attractive and inspiring, as always. The environment here is deeply nourishing and mind-lifting. Despite all the challenges, it seems that in Rome & Italy it is easier to hear the call for serenity.

RAP: Which is the role of Academies and Art schools today?

Teresa: Learning the importance of individual human endeavor, be it on the road of the arts, or science. The incommensurable richness of Italy’s history and human endeavor seem to me like a treasure that stays valuable permanently, and is always new in time. Hence, it’s a great gift of life to spend some time here.

RAP: In your opinion, how have new technologies changed art today?

Teresa: Of course. New technologies have deep impact on our consciousness and on how we experience the world. So, the arts often react or sense ahead of time.

RAP: Will art save us?

Teresa: Art can help us. It helps us to broaden our vision and to enhance our depth of feeling. Art can be solace and show us who we can be, sometimes only for a few seconds… these can be impressions that stay with us.

Website: www.austriacult.roma.it