Linz, January 26, 2006

With reference to the presentation of the core team for the Capital of Culture Linz09, we feel compelled to question both the selection procedure and the composition of the team

Dear ladies and gentlemen!

With reference to the presentation of the core team for the Capital of Culture Linz09, we feel compelled to question both the selection procedure and the composition of the team.
FIFTITU% already pointed out the need for gender balance in the run-up to the appointment of the artistic director. Although this necessity was confirmed by all those responsible for the appointment, the result was as known - 2 men were appointed.
The presentation of the core team for Linz 09 was a surprise for all of us, as there was no public advertisement for these positions. This raises the question of how and by whom these decisions were made. Why were the positions not advertised?
The fact is that the team's decision-makers are exclusively male and the "second tier" performers are exclusively female. The deputy artistic director is again a man. So there is no trace of a gender balance.
This was also quite obvious at the presentation of the team on January 9, 2006. While the decision-makers spread out around the conference table, the female employees (with one exception) were only seated in a row of chairs against the wall. It is to be feared that this ignorant attitude will also be reflected in the selection of projects and themes for Linz09

FIFTITU% hereby calls on all responsible politicians and committees to counteract this development and not just pay lip service to gender symmetry in art and culture, but to take sustainable action. The selection of projects for Linz09 must be much more transparent than was the case with the selection of personnel

Best regards

FIFTITU%

Veronika Almer
Herta Gurtner
Gabriele Heidecker
Ursula Kolar-Hofstätter
Andrea Mayer-Edoloeyi
Gerlinde Schmierer
Claudia Seigmann

This letter is addressed to politicians, the press and those interested in the arts and culture