A living room for Salzburg

A living room for Salzburg

By Constanze Wimmer

Published in the Uni-Nachrichten section of the Salzburger Nachrichten on 6 June 2026

“In democratic societies, culture is a vast conversation between citizens about their experience, ideas, beliefs, identities and values,” says François Matarasso, a passionate cultural practitioner and thinker in the field of participatory art. Arts universities, in particular, have much to contribute to this broad conversation about how we want to live together — on stage, in the auditorium, in the foyer, in the lecture hall, in the studio, and within the wider community.

Art is communication — sometimes reaching places that words cannot. For centuries, people have recognised the importance of creating spaces in which contemporary art can be experienced and discussed. Wealthy citizens opened their homes and hosted salons not only to present the art of their time, but also to bring people together, exchange ideas, and discuss everyday life and world events.

Towards the end of the twentieth century, the American sociologist Ray Oldenburg published The Great Good Place, sparking a discussion about the need for so-called “third places”. According to his theory, the first place is work and the second is home. To become a “third place” — a space where people can come together, build a sense of community, and engage in culture and discussion — certain essential characteristics are required. An ideal third place is neutral ground, open to all members of society, minimises social barriers, encourages conversation, is easily accessible, has a core group of regulars, prioritises function over appearance, fosters a playful atmosphere, and serves as a home away from home.

Mozarteum University offers ideal conditions to become a third place for Salzburg — a living room for culture enthusiasts and curious minds who do not simply want to consume art and artistic research, but who see the university’s many events across all disciplines as opportunities to engage in conversation with others: before a concert, after a theatre performance, during the breaks of a symposium, or while visiting an exhibition.

In today’s world, shared spaces for exchange — places where people can meet face to face to talk, debate, make plans, perhaps even disagree, and ultimately find common ground — are immensely valuable and essential to a healthy democracy.

For our students, this means the opportunity to see themselves as “Artistic Citizens”: artists within society who possess unique skills and talents and are therefore particularly well placed to foster integration and positive change. This is most effective when a meaningful relationship develops between audience and artist — one that grows out of the artistic experience and, in turn, contributes to the “vast conversation among citizens” that François Matarasso describes so eloquently.

With this in mind, Mozarteum University invites you to join numerous conversations, gatherings, and discussions connected to our events throughout the coming academic year. As we host at least one public event almost every day — from intimate class recitals to large-scale opera productions — there are countless opportunities to step into our “living room”. We look forward to lively exchanges with our regular audiences and to welcoming many new visitors.