Laurie Anderson calls for love: Viennese festival weeks in the sign of hope

Laurie Anderson calls for love: Viennese festival weeks in the sign of hope

Wieden, Österreich - On June 21, 2025, the Viennese artist Laurie Anderson opened the Viennese festival weeks with a moving speech on the subject of "state of the republic" . Anderson, who is an honorary member of the Academy Second Modern, brought up important social issues, including the rise of the right, the challenges of climate change and the effects of war. It emphasized the importance of the "gentle, revolutionary power of love" and thus the positive influence that human emotions can have on our society.

In her speech, she called the audience: inside, to remember numerous social issues and to work for a better future. With the haunting sentence "We caused the flood. But can we build an ark?" she addressed the need to find solutions for the pressing problems of our time. The performance took place live in ORF Radioculturhaus and attracted an interested audience.

art and climate in focus

Anderson's current project Ark is inspired by the author and activist Rebecca Solnit , which with her quote, "The fact that we cannot save everything does not mean that we cannot save anything," delivers an important food. It is not only a work of art, but also a call for reflection on the environment and the responsibility that we all bear.

The Viennese festival weeks are presenting themselves this year as a "Free Republic of Vienna" and actively deal with the current world situation. This spirit of optimism is also underlined by its own flag, hymn and various events, such as art and discourses. The stage for Anderson's speech was a successful start that will continue to cause discussions.

The role of art in climate change

In today's world, climate change is also a central topic in the art world. According to Deutschlandfunk , large exhibitions and art fairs are confronted with considerable ecological footprint. The energy-intensive air conditioning systems in museums and the associated high CO2 emissions are just a few of the challenges that need to be mastered.

artists: Inside, as Anderson, show that art not only contributes to the aesthetic enrichment of society, but can also serve as an important means of sensitization for environmental issues and social grievances. With the active participation in discussions about climate change, you prove that art and the environment are actively linked.

The Viennese festival weeks are all about reflection and acceptance of the challenges that are ahead of us. With her speech, Laurie Anderson has given an inspiring impetus to continue thinking about the "gentle, revolutionary power of love" and how it can lead us in difficult times.