History and mission statement

The Kunsthaus Graz shows exhibitions on current social issues, initiates the creation of new works of art and carry out a variety of educational projects. In addition, it promotes the examination of art, design, architecture and exhibiting itself. To realise its visions, the Kunsthaus Graz works together with a network of partner institutions - worldwide and locally.

We are committed to ensuring that all people can participate in art and culture, which is reflected in our artistic programme as well as in our extensive outreach programme. The Kunsthaus Graz GmbH is owned equally by the City of Graz and the Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH, a company of the Province of Styria.

The Kunsthaus Graz

• positions Graz and Styria on the international map as an important place of culture
• is an architectural landmark of a cosmopolitan region
• stages groundbreaking exhibitions in unique spaces
• relates to current social issues
• combines global with regional trends
• is a pioneer in art education
• is an important offer for international tourism

develops

• shows international art from 1960 to the present
• presents internationally important works by artists with a connection to Styria
• promotes the creation of new works of art
• operates across all media
• connects disciplines and cultures
• develops new forms of exhibiting
• popularises contemporary art among the public

promotes

• works in a target group-oriented, intergenerational way
• lives inclusion and integration
• focuses on accessibility
• conceives media, artistic, creative and didactic formats
• invites people to participate
• focuses on information, interaction and discussion
• regularly organises university and school cooperations and action weeks

for the public

• has a high presence in national and international media
• positions itself as a globally networked exhibition house
• experiments with digital spaces
• cooperates with institutions in Graz and with local artists
• participates in public discourses in the city
• creates space for networking and exchange across social boundaries
• lives a culture of togetherness externally and internally

The Kunsthaus Graz, which opened in 2003, was built by a leasing company, Kunsthaus Leasing GmbH, which also held the building rights. As the leasing structure was designed for a period of 20 years, the future ownership between the City of Graz and the Province of Styria had to be regulated for the period after 2023. For financial reasons, the City of Graz and the Province of Styria decided in October 2019 to carry out this restructuring as early as March 2020.

For this purpose, Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH and the City of Graz each acquired 50% of the shares in the existing Kunsthaus Leasing GmbH. Those assets and liabilities that existed in the Kunsthaus profit centre (as part of Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH) as of 31 December 2019 were transferred to Kunsthaus Leasing GmbH as of 1 January 2020. Subsequently, Kunsthaus Leasing GmbH changed its company name to Kunsthaus Graz GmbH and, as a subsidiary of Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH, took over the operative exhibition business.

Central services continue to be provided by Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH for Kunsthaus Graz GmbH within the framework of a service agreement. The management of the Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH is also responsible for the Kunsthaus Graz GmbH.

The Kunsthaus Graz GmbH has a financing contract which was concluded between the Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH and the City of Graz. The Province of Styria and the City of Graz have continued to provide a fixed financing commitment in the ratio 55 : 45.

The Supervisory Board of the Kunsthaus Graz GmbH consists of four natural persons to be delegated by the owners and one employee representative.

The Supervisory Board shall perform the duties assigned to it by the Articles of Association and by law. In particular, it shall supervise the activities of the managing directors and, for this purpose, regularly obtain information about the state of business affairs.

The Supervisory Board shall examine the annual budget including the investment, financial and personnel plan, the annual accounts and the management report as well as the guidelines for the general company policy and report to the General Assembly on the result of this examination.

Chairperson of the Supervisory Board
GRin Dipl. Museol.(FH) Christine Braunersreuther 

Deputy Chairperson of the Supervisory Board
Mag. Patrick Schnabl

Dr.­­­­in Isabella Poier
GRin DI Alexandra Würz-Stalder

Representation of the employees
Mag.a Katia Huemer