Artistic interim use of a temporary vacant property in the community of Groß-Schweinbarth

The association Raumaktiv - a collective for revitalization of vacant space - was commissioned by the municipality of Groß-Schweinbarth to temporarily use the former municipal office with an artistic approach within the framework of the culture festival “Viertelfestival NÖ”. The aim was to develop ideas for the subsequent use of the more than 100-year-old building. The 900th anniversary of Groß-Schweinbarth was the underlying theme of the project.

Raumaktiv implemented the project "Villa Swinwart" with workshops, events, a self-service bistro and other attractions from May to September 2022. The theme "Wide Angle" of Viertelfestival NÖ was interpreted by the collective as a look into the past and the future of Groß-Schweinbarth.

The program included 4 pinhole camera photo workshops, a multi-part creative writing workshop, a photo & literature exhibition, a camera obscura room, a miniature golf course made of old furniture and objects found in the building, and 2 workshops in which realistic after-use possibilities for the building were developed. In addition, there was the self-service bistro, which was run by the Egyptian cook Akram Ahmed on several weekends. Furthermore, table tennis and various games were available for use in the "Open House" (the municipality opened the house daily on weekdays, Raumaktiv was on site on weekends). The content of the program was in line with the topic of vacant spaces, the development of the town and the 900th anniversary.

Two very concrete and realistic ideas for the after-use of the former municipal office emerged in the workshops, both of them offering a community benefit. These ideas are now being pursued further by the municipality of Groß-Schweinbarth.

Projektträger: Marktgemeinde Groß-Schweinbarth, Groß-Schweinbarth
Projektlaufzeit: 29.09.2021 - 29.09.2022

Download: Projekt-Factsheet