The Tyrolean Bschlabertal lies at 1400m and is one of the most remote places in Austria. Today, fewer than 100 people live there; aging and rural exodus are eating away at the region. For the first time, medienfrische will take place there for 30 days. Artists from all over the world are invited to stay and work in Bschlabs. medienfrische is a contemporary art and media festival that focuses on current developments in the art world. The scenic conditions and the completely different way of organizing everyday life in the valley require new and unconventional ways of thinking and ideas as well as a questioning of conventional ways of working.
The residence in a secluded high valley encourages people to stay, rethink and experiment. The Bschlabertal serves as a laboratory and workshop. Accommodation and meals for the duration of the stay will be provided. Working spaces, exhibition venues and numerous open spaces will also be provided. In addition, a varied program with concerts, lectures, film screenings, readings, land art projects and much more will take place during the entire four weeks of medienfrische.
Media artists as well as scientists, artists and students from all fields (digital media, architecture, music and sound, film, literature, visual and performing arts, land art, etc.) who want to experiment with the theme, the landscapes and the inhabitants of the high mountains. At the end of the residency, an artifact created on site will be presented for safekeeping in an art repository. Individuals as well as groups of artists of all nationalities and genders over the age of 18 can apply.
The Bschlabertal with its three villages Bschlabs, Boden and Pfafflar is located in the Tyrolean district of Reutte in Austria. There, alpine meadows, empty buildings, a fire station, a soccer field, a church, living quarters and hay barns are available for projects. The assignment of the work locations and accommodations is done in cooperation with the participants and can also change in the course of the stay.
IRRLIGHT
The will-o'-the-wisp is a mostly colorful, restless light phenomenon. It is constantly in motion and changes incessantly. Extinguishing is as much a part of its nature as appearing. It can take on any form. In the 2020s, the will-o'-the-wisp appears in an open source 3D engine, in computer games, music bands, theater clubs, movie titles, magazine novels, among other things. In the various arts of the past centuries, too, the will-o'-the-wisp has haunted the world as a productive force in countless configurations and expressions. Will-o'-the-wisps still appear in legends and fairy tales on all continents of the earth. However, the brighter our world is illuminated, the rarer they are perceptible. The Bschlab Valley is a dark continent. In it there is hardly any light pollution and it is rich in errant legends and tales that are passed on by the inhabitants. In 2023 we would like to invite you to give the will-o'-the-wisp new shapes and forms.
We can cover up to 100€ of the travel costs to Imst or Reutte. The further transport to the valley is taken care of by medienfrische. We are happy to help with travel planning, especially with regard to avoiding costs. The journey with the eiengen vehicle is also possible. We are also happy to help with the planning of carpooling.
May 24 to June 21, 2023.
The length of stay is 2 weeks. There are 2 arrival dates and we ask you to fill in the desired period in the form. Arrival is 2 days before the festival starts to join us for the opening.
An expert jury decides on the invitations and allocates the free places in the accommodations in the best possible way. There are about 30 beds available in the valley. There are single rooms, double rooms and shared rooms. The allocation will be made in consultation with you and we will try to accommodate your wishes as best we can.
March 12, 2023.
You will be notified of the outcome by April 3.