Position “…tu felix Austria nube.”

Networking and Cooperation at KulturKontakt Austria

Cooperation rather than control

“Bella gerant alii, tu felix Austria nube.” – “Let others wage war; you, happy Austria, marry!” With their dynastic marriage policy, the Habsburgs rose to world power. If we look at the latest situations and analyses in the economic sector, we gain the impression that it is not only in the past that this strategy has proved its worth; on the contrary, it seems to be more popular than ever. The latest publication by the author Christian Felber, “Kooperation statt Konkurrenz – 10 Schritte aus der Krise.¹ (Cooperation Instead of Competition – 10 Steps Out of the Crisis) describes cooperation as the up-and-coming principle of a globalised society. The economic journal “brand eins” chose the title “Kooperieren. Oder verlieren.” (Cooperate. Or Lose.) for the cover of its most recent summer issue, which propounds that cooperation and networking are important elements of company strategy and that relational skills are a prerequisite for business success and a key competence needed by tomorrow’s employees. In view of today’s global challenges, one article says², control has lost its significance as a business strategy – today, the successful companies are the ones that know with whom they need to cooperate.

The current issue of KulturKontakt Magazine takes a look at the many different facets of networking and critically examines this phenomenon, which is often described as a trend. But that is not all: KulturKontakt Austria sees itself as a mediator and functions as a resource centre at the crossroads of a variety of disciplines – and in this respect, networking has always been an important part of our work. We therefore consider it important to examine the question of the potentials and challenges inherent in networking as far as cultural and educational institutions are concerned. Another important question is whether we need to find new cooperation models if we are to take full advantage of developments such as the new forms of communication in Web 2.0.

Making knowledge utilisable through networking

Knowledge is an essential resource, not only for KulturKontakt Austria, but also for cultural and educational institutions in general. But it loses its value if it gets stuck in the heads of employees or inside one’s own institution and is not shared and further utilised. Through the establishment and development of various forms of cooperation, information is transformed into knowledge, which in turn is enriched and made accessible and thus becomes part of the future-oriented strategies of institutions. KKA works continuously to develop and expand its expertise within the organisation’s spheres of action. Engaging in networking with relevant institutions and making the acquired expertise accessible for others are important elements of this process. Learning – which includes learning from others and opening up to new influences and ideas – has been gaining increasing importance for strategic planning and corporate culture: as a key indicator for organisational change and as a primum mobile for successful cooperation.

Public discourse

 As an organisation that is supported by the state and in turn grants support to a wide variety of project organisers, KulturKontakt Austria has a duty to share knowledge and contribute it to the public discourse. We do this, for example, in the form of public events such as the autumn 2010 event series “Spot On”, which was devoted to the subject of dealing with diversity and difference.

Interdisciplinary work

In its programme departments Educational Cooperation, Arts + Cultural Education and Cultural Cooperation + Arts Sponsorship, KulturKontakt Austria acts as a contact centre and mediator at many different levels. In view of its strategically important position at the interface between education systems (Austria, Europe, South Eastern Europe), the arts, culture and the business sector, cross-border and interdisciplinary work constitutes a core element of KKA’s activities.

Different systems have different framework conditions and each institution has its own culture. KulturKontakt Austria sees itself as a mediator between countries, systems, institutions and their cultures. This requires flexibility, empathy and genuine interest. Interdisciplinary cooperation and networking are important resources and competences in this context.

KKA creates networks – for itself and others

Supra-regional networks such as ERI SEE, which is described in this issue of our magazine, are successful initiatives which, by fostering the exchange of experience at the level of education policy and between experts, make important contributions to the further development and implementation of education reforms.   Working together to find solutions is an enriching experience for all concerned. This is demonstrated by the successful example of the network meeting for cultural educators in the context of the K3 Programme – Cultural Education with Apprentices. TRADUKI is another example of successful cross-border and inter-organisational cooperation within the literature and publishing scene.

Social media: an invitation

As far as the utilisation of Web 2.0, also known as the social media, is concerned, we all have a great deal more to learn. This is a challenge we are eager to accept. In developing forms of media presentation as well as in developing programmes, a differentiated examination of target groups and their needs has to come first. Web 2.0 extends an invitation: an invitation to interact and to participate in its development.

Managing diversity – networking brings diversity

The development of strategies for managing diversity in programmes and at the organisational level is a broad-based work process at KKA. In view of our commitment to quality assurance and professional work processes, it has been important to KKA to establish and cultivate active exchange with experts, other institutions and business enterprises. Since June 2010, for example, KKA has participated in the project “Vielfalt und Chancengleichheit im Betrieb” (Diversity and Equal Opportunities in the Workplace), organised by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights, ZARA, respACT, GPA-djp and others), and is also a network partner.

Target group work as a future perspective

KulturKontakt Austria’s programmes are designed for and with artists, school pupils, teachers and multipliers at all levels. Cooperation with target groups is important for the planning and further development of all projects and programmes. It is only by involving the people who are intended to profit from these activities that KKA can become sensitive to their needs and expectations.

KKA, Nicolette Wallmann

¹ Felber, Christian: Kooperation statt Konkurrenz. 10 Schritte aus der Krise. Wien/Vienna: Deuticke im Zsolnay Verlag, 2009

² Lotter, Wolf: “Beziehungen für Erwachsene” [Relationships for Adults] in: brand eins 07/10, pp. 84-87. Hamburg: brand eins Medien AG