The Documentation of Art in Liechtenstein Foundation (DKL) has set itself the goal of documenting visual artistic creation and has recorded over 250 visual artists. This number is relatively high for a small state. What started small in the 1970s has grown into an enormous diversity. The spectrum ranges from audio, print, photography, installation, architectural art, painting, mixed media, performance, sculpture, text, theatre and video to drawing. Art is visible, audible and omnipresent in public spaces, museums and galleries.
Liechtenstein has reaffirmed the importance of art and culture in international agreements and, through its regional and national cultural policies, has underlined the essential role that artists and cultural creators play in the country itself and for its foreign policy (see 1.1 and 1.2). The country spends a relatively large amount of money to support as many creative people as possible in as many sectors as possible. To this end, the Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation is in constant dialogue with the country’s creators of art and culture. Apart from freedom, independence and diversity (see 1.2.5 and 1.3.3), it promotes the status of art and culture in society as well as the visibility of artistic works on international platforms. It is also committed to ensuring that sufficient financial resources are available.
Through regional and international European programmes, the state contributes to promoting the mobility and international exchange of artists (see 1.4.2).
But economic and social independence in cultural professions has so far been largely overlooked. There is no social insurance for artists in Liechtenstein, a key tool to ensure access to statutory health, long-term care and pension insurance (see 4.1.3). There is also a lack of studies on the situation of artists in Liechtenstein, such as precarious working conditions or unstable income prospects. Issues such as security, labour law, unemployment insurance, social insurance, women in the arts and tax measures are not yet matters of public concern.
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