< rotor > association for contemporary art

< rotor > association for contemporary art < rotor > is a centre for contemporary art located in Graz, Austria. We communicate contemporary art

Founded in 1999 by Margarethe Makovec and Anton Lederer, < rotor > is a center for contemporary art based in Graz, Austria. Most of the center's activities take place in Graz but it participates in, organises or co-organises projects within Austria and many other European countries.

< rotor > presents contemporary art, provides essential content for discussion and communicates contemporary art to

a broad public. As often as possible, the artists involved in the programme are enabled to produce new works. Essential elements of the < rotor > mission are a focus on cooperation and networked action. This applies to networking within the art field but also, and perhaps even more importantly, to acting beyond the confines of art and involving individuals and organisations from different backgrounds in our programming. Therefore, the public space is a important setting for < rotor >. Our work often leaves behind the confines of a space used exclusively for art and aims to actively bring people into contact with art, thus expanding its audience.

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< rotor > ist ein Verein für zeitgenössische Kunst in Graz, Österreich, und wurde 1999 von Margarethe Makovec & Anton Lederer gegründet. Das Zentrum der Aktivitäten des Vereins ist Graz, seine Tätigkeit erstreckt sich projektbezogen aber auch auf die Steiermark, Österreich und Europa.

< rotor > präsentiert zeitgenössische Kunst, stellt wesentliche Inhalte zur Diskussion und vermittelt zeitgenössisches Kunstschaffen an eine breite Öffentlichkeit. So oft es geht wird den ins Programm involvierten Künstler_innen die Produktion neuer Arbeiten ermöglicht. Das Forcieren von Zusammenarbeit und vernetzendes Handeln sind wesentliche Elemente der < rotor > Philosophie. Dies betrifft die Verknüpfungsarbeit innerhalb des Kunstfeldes, meint aber vor allem auch das Agieren über die Grenzen der Kunst hinaus, indem Menschen und Organisationen verschiedenster Hintergründe in die Programmgestaltung einbezogen werden. Der öffentliche Raum ist für < rotor > ein bedeutender Ort, um Kunst stattfinden zu lassen, im Bestreben, die Grenzen des Kunstraums zu verlassen und Menschen aktiv mit Kunst in Kontakt zu bringen, das Publikum zu erweitern.

A PARABLE FOR ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS WE DON’T KNOW YETPart 1: The Giant BirdOpening weekend:Friday, 29.05.2026, 18:00–24...
26/05/2026

A PARABLE FOR ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS WE DON’T KNOW YET
Part 1: The Giant Bird

Opening weekend:

Friday, 29.05.2026, 18:00–24:00
19:00 Opening ceremony, Perfomances by Elisabeth von Samsonow () and Daily Rhythms Collective ()

Saturday, 30.05.2026, 12:00-18:00
13:30 Exhibition tour with curators and artists
17:00 impuls MinuteConcerts with Klaus Haidl (.klaus), Maria Gstättner (), Ariana Hernández Vera, Gobi Drab ().

Participating artists:
Aliz Farkas (._.farkas) • Elisabeth von Samsonow • Vanja Krajnc () • Edda Strobl () • Daily Rhythms Collective - Daniela Brasil (), Otto Oscar Hernández Ruiz (), SHIN Hyo Jin (.hyojin.linkingcultures) • Lala Raščić () • Catrin Manoli (.a.k.a) • Catherina Jarau, Anna Mora Moll, Laila Reichenpfader • Dominika Trapp () • Ernst Koslitsch ()

AYOCOTL Seed Library for All: Forum Urbanes Gärtnern () • Andreas Motschiunig • Daniela Brasil • Florian Perl ()

Curated by: Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

This is the first exhibition in a series focusing on mythological creatures appearing across different eras and cultures. They accompany transformation, challenge the familiar and invite us to embrace uncertainty and change.

The series is inspired by a lecture by the founder of The Emergence Network, Báyò Akómoláfé. The first part takes its starting point from the Giant Bird—in Akómoláfé’s work, this is Ziz, who is associated with air and the atmosphere but also establishes a connection to the earth. This encourages to look upwards, whilst at the same time critically questioning the cycles we live in and what sustains us.

As part of the exhibition, the AYOCOTL Seed Library for All will also begin operations. And just outside, on Orpheumgasse, a parklet—a small green island—invites to linger.

Duration of the exhibition: 29.05.–01.08. & 24.08.–05.09.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with Forum Urbanes Gärtnern and Dramatikerinnenfestival.

Image: Perfomance „Return“ by Daily Rhythms Collective. Photo: Thorsten Arendt

A PARABLE FOR ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS WE DON’T KNOW YETPart 1: The Giant BirdInvitation to the exhibitionOpening: Friday,...
12/05/2026

A PARABLE FOR ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS WE DON’T KNOW YET
Part 1: The Giant Bird

Invitation to the exhibition

Opening: Friday, May 29th 2026, 18:00 – 24:00
Performances and Opening Ceremony: 19:00

Participating artists:
Aliz Farkas (._.farkas) • Elisabeth von Samsonow () • Vanja Krajnc () • Edda Strobl () • Daily Rhythms Collective () - Daniela Brasil (), Otto Oscar Hernández Ruiz (), SHIN Hyo Jin (.hyojin.linkingcultures) • Lala Raščić () • Catrin Manoli (.a.k.a) • Catherina Jarau, Anna Mora Moll, Laila Reichenpfader • Dominika Trapp () • Ernst Koslitsch ()

AYOCOTL Seed Library for All: Forum Urbanes Gärtnern () • Andreas Motschiunig • Daniela Brasil • Florian Perl ()

Curated by: Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

This is the first exhibition in a series focusing on mythological creatures appearing across different eras and cultures. They accompany transformation, challenge the familiar and invite us to embrace uncertainty and change.

The series is inspired by a lecture by the philosopher and founder of The Emergence Network, Báyò Akómoláfé. The first part takes its starting point from the Giant Bird—in Akómoláfé’s work, this is Ziz, who is associated with air and the atmosphere but also establishes a connection to the earth. This encourages to look upwards, whilst at the same time critically questioning the cycles we live in and what sustains us.

As part of the exhibition, the AYOCOTL Seed Library for All will also begin operations. And just outside, on Orpheumgasse, a parklet—a small green island—invites to linger.

Duration of the exhibition: 29.05.–01.08. & 24.08.–05.09.2026
Free admission!

Opening weekend:
Friday, 29.05.2026, 18:00 - 24:00
19:00 Perfomances and Opening ceremony

Saturday, 30.05.2026, 12:00 - 18:00
13:30 Exhibition tour with curators & artists
17:00 impuls MinuteConcerts

In cooperation with Forum Urbanes Gärtnern and Dramatikerinnenfestival ().

Cover image: Elisabeth von Samsonow, „Kissing the Eagle“, 2025. Photo: Max Brucker

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONSAwareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of CrisisToday we want to share some pict...
27/04/2026

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
Awareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis

Today we want to share some pictures from the events that took place last week!

On Wednesday, we dived into the world of Esperanto language together with Dr. Heinz-Paul Kovacic (Esperanto Society of Styria) within the installation “Shelter of Hope (Esperanto Classroom)” by ex-artists' collective (Tamás Kaszás () & Anikó Loránt). The evening was accompanied by a musical performance of the duo Nikola Vuković (.vuko.vic) and Lluís Martínez ().

The last three days of the exhibition happened to fall during the Gallery Days () festival, bringing many visitors and wonderful energy to < rotor >! In the frame of the Gallery Days, we offered a guided tour of the exhibition with the curators Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Margarethe Makovec and Anton Lederer. We were also happy to welcome everyone who joined the guided tour by Katrin Nahidi!

In the frame of the exhibition
In The Wheel Of Emotions

With contributions by:
Róza El-Hassan • Oleksandr Halishchuk • ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás & Anikó Loránt) •
The Hologram • Jana Kapelová • Eva Koťátková • Mouries Collective • Katarína Poliačiková

Curated by: Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

Duration of the exhibition: 30.01.–26.04.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with tranzit.sk (), Bratislava. ERSTE Foundation () is the main partner of tranzit.

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONSAwareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of CrisisCuratorial guided tour: Saturday...
21/04/2026

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
Awareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis

Curatorial guided tour: Saturday, April 25th 2026, 16:00

Extended opening hours in the frame of Gallery Days ():
10:00 – 22:00 on Friday, April 24th 2026,
11:00 – 19:00 on Saturday, April 25th 2026,
11:00 – 17:00 on Sunday, April 26th 2026.

This year’s Gallery Days will take place from 24 to 26 April. On Saturday, 25 April, at 16:00, we are offering a guided tour of the exhibition with the curators Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Margarethe Makovec and Anton Lederer. The tour will be conducted in English.

And on Sunday, 26 April, there will be a tour of five venues taking part in the Gallery Days, which will also stop at < rotor >. Led by: Katrin Nahidi. Starting point: ROOM OF FINE ARTS, 14:00

In the frame of the exhibition
In The Wheel Of Emotions

With contributions by:
Róza El-Hassan • Oleksandr Halishchuk • ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás & Anikó Loránt) •
The Hologram • Jana Kapelová • Eva Koťátková • Mouries Collective • Katarína Poliačiková

Curated by: Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

Duration of the exhibition: 30.01.–26.04.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with tranzit.sk (), Bratislava. ERSTE Foundation () is the main partner of tranzit.

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONSAwareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of CrisisAn evening dedicated to Esperant...
20/04/2026

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
Awareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis

An evening dedicated to Esperanto in the installation “Shelter of Hope (Esperanto Classroom)”
with Dr. Heinz-Paul Kovacic (Styrian Esperanto Society), Nikola Vuković () & Lluís Martínez () (musical performance)

Wednesday, 22nd April 2026, 18:00
Location: < rotor >, Volksgartenstraße 6a, Graz

On Wednesday, 22 April, an evening dedicated to the Esperanto language will take place within the installation “Shelter of Hope (Esperanto Classroom)” by ex-artists' collective (Tamás Kaszás () & Anikó Loránt). Our guest will be Dr Heinz-Paul Kovacic from the Esperanto Society of Styria. He will share some information about the Esperanto language with us and may even teach us a word or two.

The evening will be accompanied by a musical performance by the duo Nikola Vuković and Lluís Martínez, who will bring their own chair into the already rather unusual classroom and then draw on the Esperanto anthem. The audience will witness how two friends create a secret language with the help of sounds and imagination. In doing so, they explore alternative forms of play and understanding, creating sonic spaces of connection and perhaps also of failure.

The installation takes the form of an improvised classroom, alluding to the meaning of the name of the language Esperanto – ‘one who hopes’. The blackboards and desks feature an Esperanto lesson, with example sentences addressing globalisation, the ecological crisis, anarchist and green politics, and the nature of utopia.

The event will be held in German.

In the frame of the exhibition
In The Wheel Of Emotions

With contributions by:
Róza El-Hassan • Oleksandr Halishchuk • ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás & Anikó Loránt) •
The Hologram • Jana Kapelová • Eva Koťátková • Mouries Collective • Katarína Poliačiková

Curated by: Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

Duration of the exhibition: 30.01.–26.04.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with tranzit.sk (), Bratislava. ERSTE Foundation () is the main partner of tranzit.

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONSAwareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of CrisisMINISTRY OF SMALL PLEASURESArtis...
12/04/2026

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
Awareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis

MINISTRY OF SMALL PLEASURES
Artist Talk with Katarína Poliačiková ()

Monday, 13th April 2026, 19:00
Location: < rotor >, Volksgartenstraße 6a, Graz

As part of the exhibition In the Wheel of Emotions – Awareness, Care, and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis, we cordially invite you to an artist talk with Katarína Poliačiková.

The visual artist and writer will discuss her research and practice, drawing on the pop-up office Ministry of Small Pleasures, which was set up as part of the exhibition. The starting point for her reflections is Katarína Poliačiková’s long-standing engagement with participatory practices as well as those small moments of joy that point to a shared, human foundation.

The Ministry of Small Pleasures is a semi-fictional institution concerned with simple, intangible moments of happiness that often fade into the background amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The project was inspired by Susan Sontag’s diary and her list of things she liked—everyday joys that point to a shared human foundation.

For Katarína Poliačiková, artistic production is a way of being present: engaging with objects, stories, and relationships with curiosity and care. She understands joy as a simple yet essential capacity that remains with us, even when personal or social pressures make it difficult to access.

The artist talk will be held in English.

In the frame of the exhibition
In The Wheel Of Emotions

With contributions by:
Róza El-Hassan • Oleksandr Halishchuk • ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás & Anikó Loránt) •
The Hologram • Jana Kapelová • Eva Koťátková • Mouries Collective • Katarína Poliačiková

Curated by: Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

Duration of the exhibition: 30.01.–26.04.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with tranzit.sk (), Bratislava. ERSTE Foundation () is the main partner of tranzit.

11/04/2026

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
Awareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis

Only two weeks left to see the current exhibition. Join the artist talk “Ministry of Small Pleasures” by Katarína Poliačiková () on Monday, April 13th 2026, 19:00!

Artworks:
“What Remains”, 2025 by Jana Kapelová ().

Participating artists:
Róza El-Hassan (.elhassan) • ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás () & Anikó Loránt) • Oleksandr Halishchuk () • The Hologram () • Jana Kapelová () • Eva Koťátková () • Mouries Collective () • Katarína Poliačiková ()

Curated by: Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

The exhibition focuses on emotions amid the tension between multiple contemporary crises and an increasingly polarised political climate. It responds to a situation in which systemic extraction, political manipulation, and enforced self-repression collide with the basic need for fulfilment, happiness, and hope.

The artworks on display reflect on the formation of emotional maturity through upbringing, education and social norms. They explore ways how anxiety can be addressed, empathy fostered, loss overcome and hostile forces resisted. Moreover, they articulate the urgency of collective healing, mutual care, and sustaining hope in uncertain times—while recognising quiet resilience, small everyday gestures that surface in the cracks of the system.

Duration of the exhibition: 30.01.–26.04.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with tranzit.sk (), Bratislava. ERSTE Foundation () is the main partner of tranzit.

10/04/2026

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
Awareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis

Only two weeks left to see the current exhibition.
Join the artist talk “Ministry of Small Pleasures” by Katarína Poliačiková () on Monday, April 13th 2026, 19:00!

Artworks:
“Ministry of Small Pleasures”, 2026 by Katarína Poliačiková ().

“The Hologram”, 2020 – ongoing by The Hologram ().

Participating artists:
Róza El-Hassan (.elhassan) • ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás () & Anikó Loránt) • Oleksandr Halishchuk () • The Hologram () • Jana Kapelová () • Eva Koťátková () • Mouries Collective () • Katarína Poliačiková ()

Curated by: Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

The exhibition focuses on emotions amid the tension between multiple contemporary crises and an increasingly polarised political climate. It responds to a situation in which systemic extraction, political manipulation, and enforced self-repression collide with the basic need for fulfilment, happiness, and hope.

The artworks on display reflect on the formation of emotional maturity through upbringing, education and social norms. They explore ways how anxiety can be addressed, empathy fostered, loss overcome and hostile forces resisted. Moreover, they articulate the urgency of collective healing, mutual care, and sustaining hope in uncertain times—while recognising quiet resilience, small everyday gestures that surface in the cracks of the system.

Duration of the exhibition: 30.01.–26.04.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with tranzit.sk (), Bratislava. ERSTE Foundation () is the main partner of tranzit.

09/04/2026

IN THE WHEEL OF EMOTIONS
Awareness, Care and Forms of Quiet Resilience in Times of Crisis

Only two weeks left to see the current exhibition. Join the artist talk “Ministry of Small Pleasures” by Katarína Poliačiková () on Monday, April 13th 2026, 19:00!

Artwork:
“Shelter of Hope (Esperanto Classroom)”, 2004/06-2026 by ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás () & Anikó Loránt). Courtesy of the Institute of Contemporary Art – Dunaújváros ().

In the frame of the exhibition
In The Wheel Of Emotions

With contributions by:
Róza El-Hassan (.elhassan) • ex-artists’ collective (Tamás Kaszás () & Anikó Loránt) • Oleksandr Halishchuk () • The Hologram () • Jana Kapelová () • Eva Koťátková () • Mouries Collective () • Katarína Poliačiková ()

Curated by: Judit Angel, Eliška Mazalanová, Anton Lederer, Margarethe Makovec

The exhibition focuses on emotions amid the tension between multiple contemporary crises and an increasingly polarised political climate. It responds to a situation in which systemic extraction, political manipulation, and enforced self-repression collide with the basic need for fulfilment, happiness, and hope.

The artworks on display reflect on the formation of emotional maturity through upbringing, education and social norms. They explore ways how anxiety can be addressed, empathy fostered, loss overcome and hostile forces resisted. Moreover, they articulate the urgency of collective healing, mutual care, and sustaining hope in uncertain times—while recognising quiet resilience, small everyday gestures that surface in the cracks of the system.

Duration of the exhibition: 30.01.–26.04.2026
Free admission!

In cooperation with tranzit.sk (), Bratislava. ERSTE Foundation () is the main partner of tranzit.

Adresse

Volksgartenstraße 6a
Graz
8020

Öffnungszeiten

Montag 10:00 - 18:00
Dienstag 10:00 - 18:00
Mittwoch 10:00 - 18:00
Donnerstag 10:00 - 18:00
Freitag 10:00 - 18:00
Samstag 12:00 - 16:00

Benachrichtigungen

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