Vorarlberg government backs KUGES chief as forgery probe resumes

The supervisory board of the Vorarlberg Cultural Institutions Operating Company, KUGES, continues to support managing director Monika Wagner after prosecutors resumed an investigation into suspected document forgery, ORF reported.

The investigation was first opened in May but later discontinued. It has now been resumed on the order of the regional court. The original complaint was filed by former Vorarlberg State Theatre artistic director Stephanie Gräve.

Prosecutors are investigating allegations that Wagner used Gräve’s digital signature without authorisation when preparing a contract. Wagner described the incident as an unintended administrative error. Gräve filed a complaint, and her contract was ultimately terminated even though it was due to run until July 31, 2028.

Barbara Schöbi-Fink, the supervisory board chairwoman and a member of the Vorarlberg state government, said the board still had confidence in Wagner. She said the complaint was not the reason for Gräve’s release, but the final factor in a situation marked by a serious loss of trust.

Relations between Gräve, KUGES and the Vorarlberg state government had been considered seriously damaged since March, when it was announced that her contract would not be extended beyond its planned end. The decision triggered criticism from Gräve and many people working in the arts and culture sector. Schöbi-Fink said the controversy had not helped the reputation of the State Theatre.

She said the priority was for the theatre to deliver a strong programme, for staff to be able to work effectively and for audiences to continue attending. The supervisory board was confident those goals could be achieved.

On Wednesday, KUGES announced that Viennese director Ali M. Abdullah would take over as interim artistic director for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons.