Freie Szene – The Independent Art Scene of Linz

The Freie Szene, the independent art scene, provides important impulses in Linz for innovations in art and culture. Artistic experimentation and free space are the motor of every society: as a city of culture for all, Linz has therefore anchored the Freie Szene as one of the focal points of cultural policies in the Cultural Development Plan.

Diversity and Strength

In addition to the cultural institutions of the City of Linz and the Federal Province of Upper Austria, there is a multitude of cultural groups and initiatives that are not integrated in public institutions. In comparison with other cities and federal provinces, the Freie Szene in Linz is especially diverse and strongly present. The Freie Szene comprises alternative cultural initiatives as well as small, independently working artistic teams.

Instigating Initiative

Promoting cultural work and art production based on independent initiative, creativity and quality: creating the requisite framework conditions and preconditions for this is one of the essential objectives of the City of Linz. Another goal is to uncover new synergy effects and opportunities. Artistic networks, but also studios and art labs and the involvement of cultural producers from the Freie Szene in the development and designing process of the City of Linz are intended to contribute to achieving this end.

Measures from the Cultural Development Plan that have already been implemented:

the establishment of an innovation pool with funds of EUR 72,000, the allocation of which is decided every year in agreement with the Freie Szene;
networking with the Cultural Advisory Board of the City of Linz and the Cultural Advisory Board for the Federal Province of Upper Austria to strengthen the discourse between cultural policies and the independent art and culture scene;
the establishment of funding agreements covering several years for a large portion of the independent cultural institutions and cultural associations to ensure a greater planning security for cultural producers;
LinzEXPOrt: funding program of the City of Linz for artists to enable experimental and processual work in conjunction with a stay abroad.