Hate Crime

Kunsthaus Palakate in Bregenz vandalized

The director of Kunsthaus Bregenz, Thomas D. Trummer, in front of a vandalized billboard on Bregenzer Seestraße.(Bild: Kunsthaus Bregenz)

The Kunsthaus Bregenz (KUB) is currently facing a case of vandalism. Unknown persons destroyed billboards on Seestraße - these were designed by artist Anne Imhof. 

The damage was discovered early in the morning by the mayor of Bregenz, Michael Ritsch. The Kunsthaus Bregenz team and director Thomas D. Trummer reacted with horror to the act of vandalism: "This is a cowardly attack on art and human rights. Homophobia must have no place in our society," explained Thomas D. Trummer in an initial statement. The poster read "Wish you were gay", which translates as "I wish you were gay".

State Governor Barbara Schöbi-Fink also condemned the act of destruction: "The destruction of works of art is not only an attack on the creative power and freedom of expression of artists, but also on our cultural diversity and our values as a society."

No to hate crime
Mayor Michael Ritsch commented on the case: "The provincial capital of Bregenz stands for diversity and tolerance. Such acts of vandalism and hate crime not only attack artistic freedom, but also the values of an open and tolerant society. We speak the same language here: No to hatred, exclusion, discrimination and homophobia!" The police have been informed and are already investigating. The demolished billboards will be replaced as soon as possible, according to the KUB.