Steirischer herbst takes over Graz’s Halle für Kunst

The steirischer herbst festival for contemporary art will take over the Halle für Kunst, an exhibition hall by Graz’s city park, to expand its programme throughout the year and strengthen ties with the regional arts scene, ORF reported.

The festival’s existing format, including its three weeks of events, will remain unchanged. Year-round exhibitions and events at the hall are intended to complement the festival and build towards its annual programme peak.

The festival’s responsibilities will be brought together under one artistic director, to be appointed for a five-year term starting on 1 January 2028. The position will be advertised on 13 November, with applications accepted until 15 December. The appointment is expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Candidates are expected to have experience leading an internationally oriented, multidisciplinary organisation with strong regional links. The role also calls for knowledge of contemporary art and the cultural and events sectors, as well as experience securing external funding and sponsorship. The minimum gross annual salary is 120,000 euros.

The budget for the new artistic director has not been set. The steirischer herbst had a total budget of 4.5 million euros in 2025.

Current festival artistic director Ekaterina Degot, whose contract runs until the end of 2027, said in June that she would not seek another term. Halle für Kunst director Sandro Droschl has been informed of the plans and is considering applying, according to Culture Minister Karlheinz Kornhäusl.