We believe in culture as a driving force for an open society, and in its ability to forge links between diverse linguistic and geographical regions. We research and document the culture of Central and South Eastern Europe, because we believe that promoting knowledge and understanding helps to create a positive, shared future. We also initiate and support contemporary cultural production.      

The Culture programme of ERSTE Foundation aims to research and document mutual relationships and different practices in the life and culture of Central and South Eastern Europe, delving into the different political geographies. ERSTE Foundation intends to promote an understanding for and knowledge about a differently lived past, which can facilitate a shared present and future. At historical turning points, stories and documents of time emerge, and it is the concern of ERSTE Foundation to chronicle these.
The two main themes of the programme are:

LINKS_Promoting and communicating contemporary culture

LINKS is to support self-initiatives and independent projects for intellectual debate and a lively contemporary culture. LINKS supports structures and builds up networks. Particular emphasis is given to the promotion of contemporary art, culture and literature. The important issue is to collaborate as directly as possible with local partners who are familiar with the local needs.

PATTERNS_Researching and understanding recent cultural history

PATTERNS is a transnational programme that aims to research and understand recent cultural history. PATTERNS initiates, commissions and supports contemporary culture projects in a variety of formats and media. The programme focuses on the visual arts and culture of the 1960s until today.

PATTERNS Advisory Panel:
Cosmin Costinas (Curator, bak – basis voor actuele kunst, Utrecht)
Veronica Kaup-Hasler (Director of steirischer herbst, Graz)
Piotr Piotrowski (Art historian, Poznan, and Director of  the National Museum, Warsaw)
Georg Schöllhammer (Editor of “springerin” and “documenta 12 magazines”, Vienna)

For more information visit the PATTERNS Webpage