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Viva la Gemeindebau

social intervention and magazine, Vienna 2006



The project “Viva la Gemeindebau” examines the historical function of the council house as a center of resistance against the Austrofascism of 1934 and its reference to modern forms of cohabitation. As a connection between the past and the present, Witt chose the song “Workers from Vienna” in the format of a music video. The video deals with the topic in an actual form and was shown at street parties in three different council houses. In this manner an informal contact could occur between the inhabitants to discuss the themes.The whole process is documented in a booklet.

Text excerps:

"...The song of the revolutionary Viennese workers was created in february 1934, when in Linz, Vienna and the industrial areas of Upper Austria and Styria the workers got armed for the resistance against the imminent fascism..."

"...Joung people need this utopias to get inspiered...I talked to an elderly men, he´s an author:" Today there are no more utopias. Vranitzky allegedly said: Whoever has utopias should go to the neurologist..."

"..Everybody was satisfied and a guy who said before: "foreiners bear the blame" now rested his hand on their shoulders. He looked at the boys and said adoringly: "You are tough guys and you´re dressed so well." The boys laughed and patted his back..."



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