Amateur art, volunteer work and private initiatives play a central role in Liechtenstein’s cultural landscape. There are various cultural associations across Liechtenstein: galleries, choral societies, photo clubs, folklore and music societies. For example, the ten brass bands have been cornerstones of cultural and social life for around 150 years and today comprise 450 musicians. Since 1985, the Liechtenstein Brass Band Association has been a member of the International Confederation of Music Societies (CISM), which has set itself the goal of promoting amateur musicians. Liechtenstein also has 25 choral associations, with over 1,000 singers. These associations are joined together in the “Fürstlich Liechtensteinischer Sängerbund” (Liechtenstein Choir Association). This largest cultural association in the country is a member of the European AGEC. Both wind music and choirs are supported by the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation.
The Historical Society for the Principality of Liechtenstein has set itself the goal of promoting historical and regional studies as well as historical awareness. Its yearbook series, which has been published by the Society’s own publishing house since the beginning, is the most important publication on regional studies. The Society initiates and supports research in this field. In addition to the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation, other foundations as well as EEA and Norway grants from the funding programme of the EEA states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway contribute to the financing of projects.
The Liechtenstein Art Society, founded in 1975, is a cooperation partner of the National Museum and the Art Museum as well as the English Building Art Space and the Liechtenstein School of Fine Arts. It enables its approximately 600 members to engage with art on various levels. The Art Society is financed by membership fees and grants from the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation.
Artists in Liechtenstein, with few exceptions, work on a semi-professional level. There are three professional associations that influence cultural events in the country. Since 2016, the Association of Visual Arts Visarte Liechtenstein (known as BBKL 2006 to 2016) has promoted and ensured the regional and international networking of its members. Visarte Liechtenstein is a member of Visarte Switzerland and the IAA (International Association of Art). It supports artists in legal, financial and social matters. The association is financed by membership fees, donations and subsidies from the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation. In Switzerland, Visarte is the largest professional association in the cultural sector with around 2,500 active members.
In August 2013, Liechtenstein writers joined together to form “Word – the Authors’ Interest Group in Liechtenstein”. Since 2015, this interest group of authors has awarded an annual honorary prize to individuals, organisations or projects from Liechtenstein and abroad who have made outstanding contributions to the literature of Liechtenstein. It is funded by membership fees and donations.
The non-profit association “IG Kunst & Kultur in Liechtenstein” has existed since September 2020. This interest group represents the interests of all cultural and artistic creators (performing arts, visual arts, film and media, literature, music). “IG Kultur” lobbies for better economic conditions, social security and acceptance of art and culture as fundamental values of society. It sees itself as an initiator, as a discussion partner and as a critical authority vis-à-vis the institutions and the government. “IG Kultur” received start-up funding from the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation. It is funded by membership fees as well as public and private donations.
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