zwischen museum gugging und klassenzimmer

Between museum gugging and the Classroom

The project originated from the idea of collecting personal memories, impressions, and stories connected to the universe of Art from Gugging. Students were encouraged to meet people who had lived or worked there, document their narratives, and subsequently develop artistic responses based on these encounters.

At the beginning of the project, the students took part in workshops introducing them to storytelling and oral history. They learned how to formulate appropriate interview questions, conduct conversations, and record personal accounts. Another focus was on practical video production skills using their own smartphones, enabling them to document their experiences independently.

As part of the implementation, filmmaker Stephan Herzog, together with the art education team from museum gugging, visited both school classes. In a workshop, he introduced the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking, with particular emphasis on conducting interviews, working with light, and choosing camera perspectives. The deliberate focus on filming with smartphones reflected the project's aim of allowing students to continuously document their own process.

At the same time, the class from Mittelschule Klosterneuburg, together with their Art & Design teacher Julius Gardavsky, explored stop-motion animation in greater depth. During the winter semester of 2025/26, several animated films were created that examined the origins and history of Art from Gugging.

In December, the school classes conducted research at museum gugging, exploring various aspects of the museum, gallery, studio, and the House of Artists. Based on their interests, they formed thematic groups.

One group developed interview questions for the curator to gain insights into her work. Another investigated the art market and visited the director of galerie gugging. A third group explored the concepts of Art Brut and inclusion while researching the history of the House of Artists. A fourth group focused on artistic practice in the studio and conducted interviews with staff members at Atelier Gugging, where they also met several artists.

All interviews and visits were accompanied and documented by the film team. Together with self-recorded smartphone footage and the animated films produced during the project, the material was eventually edited into a documentary of approximately fifteen minutes. The film reflects the students’ intensive engagement with Art from Gugging and the people connected to it. In particular, it highlights the perspectives of young people from the region who are themselves part of this cultural environment.

Through these direct encounters, prejudices, uncertainties, and barriers were reduced, fostering greater understanding and openness.

After nearly a year of collaboration, the project concluded in June 2026 with a joint closing event. In a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the documentary was presented and reflected upon during an emotional feedback session.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all participants and supporters who made this project possible.