In Liechtenstein, region implies exchange and cooperation with neighbouring countries. Liechtenstein is closely linked to Austria and Switzerland. It is part of the Rhine Valley life and economic region as well as the Lake Constance Euregio. Euregio (from “European” and “region”) is a cross-border association of local and regional areas of the EU in economic, cultural and social terms. In 2018, more than 4.1 million people lived in the Lake Constance Euregio (founded in 1997). This European region encompasses German districts in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, six Swiss cantons (including Zurich), the Austrian province of Vorarlberg and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Cross-border cooperation exists, for example, via the information platform of the Rhine Valley Border Community, which was founded in 1985. Its goal is to promote the economic, political and cultural developments of the region. This includes areas along the Rhine in the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Graubünden, the Austrian province of Vorarlberg and the eleven Liechtenstein municipalities.
Liechtenstein has been a member of the International Lake Constance Conference (ILCC), founded in 1972, since 1998 (see 1.4.1). In January 2022, in the 50th year of its existence, the heads of government of the ILCC reaffirmed the common goals of the Lake Constance region in the “2022 Summit Declaration”: Lake Constance and the Rhine are to connect urban and rural people. The members focus, for example, on climate-neutral transport for the future, on educational cooperation and on initiatives and commitment from the younger generation.
Through the ILCC, Liechtenstein is involved in a number of cultural institutions: such as the Lake Constance History Association and Lake Constance Bibliography, the Association of Lake Constance Archivists. The Office of Cultural Affairs represents Liechtenstein on the “Culture” commission. The University of Liechtenstein participates in the ILCC “Education, Science and Research” commission and is part of the International Lake Constance University (IBH), the largest inter-university network in Europe.
Since 1991, the ILCC has been awarding sponsorship prizes in alternating cultural fields. Seven cultural creators from the Lake Constance region with outstanding potential in their respective cultural fields are recognised each time. In 2020, the Liechtenstein art association “Schichtwechsel” received one of the sponsorship awards for its commitment to linking art and society and consequently opening up new perspectives. At the same time, the ILCC Culture commission takes up relevant topics in an art forum: 2022 is about promoting culture in the midst of digital transformation. In addition, the ILCC artist meeting 2022 is aimed at professional musicians of all genres who have a refugee background and have lived in the Lake Constance region for no longer than ten years. The aim is to facilitate an interdisciplinary and creative exchange.
Apart from regional cooperation, there is also bilateral cooperation between Liechtenstein and its neighbours. There are regular meetings between the Liechtenstein Ministry of Culture and representatives of the cantons of St. Gallen and Graubünden as well as Vorarlberg. Liechtenstein has been working with the Swiss Pro Helvetia foundation for its participation in the Venice Biennale since 2015. The University of Liechtenstein is the direct cooperation partner (see 1.3.3).
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