Editorial

Gerhard Kowař

The discussion of specifics is especially important at a time when the regime of management tools appears to have replaced the thorough examination and appraisal of the causes and objectives of action. The vogue of the terms “innovation” and “creativity” is a good example.

If we want 2009 to be more than a brief episode on the vanishing line of the European Years, we have to devote enough time and effort to reflecting on these concepts and what they signify. This is being done in this magazine, in a manner which – as we hope – is at the same time meaningful, critical and controversial.
Particular thanks are therefore due not only to the numerous authors, but also to everyone who has contributed to the production of this publication. And your feedback, as readers, is thus of great importance.
KulturKontakt Austria is involved with the aforementioned theme in a variety of ways: as co-organiser of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation in Austria, as a generator of ideas and impulses in Austrian and European forums, and as the reliable provider of a diversity of programmes in education, the arts and culture. We’ll be talking about this in the present issue as well, giving examples of our innovative achievements in these fields.
Let me close by saying a few words about our organisation: In recent months we have given intensive thought to its structure, spheres of action and perspectives, and we are convinced that it is only if we deal with our own potentials and development possibilities seriously and in a structured way, that the label “creative and innovative” can be more than a slogan. KulturKontakt Austria’s ongoing strategy development process is the expression of its dynamic adaptability and willingness to change, its ability to react to new challenges in the context of social diversity and global mobility. This is, you might say, our contribution to the sustainability of the European Year 2009.
But we shall have more to say about that in our next issue, which will deal with the history and the future of this association. The next issue will appear in October, and will mark the 20th anniversary of our organisation.