- Dott. Andrea Manhart, President
- Mag. Walter Andrle, Vice President
- Dott. Stefan Wurst, Vice President
History of the Committee
The Austrian Committee was founded in 1993 by Dr Kurt Heller, a lawyer and member of the Constitutional Court of Austria. Its statutory purpose is “the creation, promotion and deepening of the cultural links of Austrian citizens and Austrian institutions with the city of Venice, its inhabitants and its institutions, in particular support for the preservation and restoration of Venice’s art treasures”.
In recognition of its initiation and funding of numerous projects, some of which are described in this presentation, the Austrian Committee received the prestigious “Premio Torta” award in 2001.
Current projects
Venice State Archives
Restoration of the Campaign Dispatches of Francesco Morosini
Publication detailing the restoration of the dispatches and their historical significance
Francesco Morosini (1619 – 1694) was one of the last great sea captains of La Serenissima. His detailed reports to the Senate are extremely interesting and offer valuable sources for historians.
Funding is provided in partnership with the Swiss Committee Fondazione Svizzera Pro Venezia and the British Committee Venice in Peril Fund.
Future projects
Discussions are currently taking place regarding the takeover of suitable projects, for example with the Teatro la Fenice.
What can be and is the role of our Committee within the Association?
Our projects are financed through the annual contributions of our members. Looking after existing members and recruiting new ones are essential and demanding tasks. Of huge importance here are the provision of regular information through newsletters and joint trips to Venice, meetings with artists resident in the city, visits to places off the tourist trail and various other activities.
For the Austrian Committee, knowledge exchange with other committees and the funding of joint projects are prerequisites for successful collaboration.
What does working in Venice mean for our Committee?
Venice has always had close cultural and – at times – political links with Austria. Because of this history, the Committee and its members have a particular responsibility to assist in the preservation and restoration of Venice’s art treasures.
Making sure that Venice remains a lively, vibrant and liveable city in the future is a key aim of the Committee. The importance of this aim is reflected in the choice of the name “Venedig lebt” (Venice lives). This name was carefully chosen and is intended to express the idea that Venice should be a living city that is attractive both to residents and visitors. Not a museum that is shut and lifeless in the evening.