What is Kollektiv Kaorle?

Kollektiv Kaorle is a non-profit, interdisciplinary cultural association based in Vienna, founded in 2020. Rooted in collective learning and collaborative making, we develop formats at the intersection of urban practice, social ecology and art.

Our work ranges from building shared infrastructures and spatial interventions in public space to collaborative programs and event formats that interweave social and artistic processes. With a focus on co-creation and non-commercial use of space, we transform vacant spaces, urban gaps and neglected places into platforms for artistic research, participatory design and cultural production.

Rather than ready-made answers, our projects emerge through situated processes and long-term collaborations — as social and material ecosystems for a shared, responsible coexistence.

The association's premises are located in Pavilion 21 of the Otto Wagner Areal in western Vienna. Embedded in an expansive green area and in close proximity to the Steinhof grounds, a new place between city and forest is emerging here. With the reopening and partial architectural adaptation of the pavilion, a new place between city and forest has been emerging since autumn 2025 — a vibrant space for creative experiments, interdisciplinary collaboration and public cultural programming.

On the history of the grounds during National Socialism

Today's Otto Wagner Areal has a long history that is inseparably linked to the crimes of National Socialism. We consider it very important to actively engage with the place where we are located and encourage everyone to explore this history. We recommend visiting the exhibition of the Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance (DÖW). More information can be found here.

With the annual theme "Layers of Memory" we dedicate ourselves in 2026 to a critical examination of this place and its history. Information about programs and formats will be published continuously on the website.

In parallel, Kollektiv Kaorle participates in city-wide and international commons initiatives and explores new forms of solidarity-based urbanism, in which ecological responsibility, circular economy and social justice are inseparably connected — such as at Alsergarten at the Donaukanal or at blechsonne, a DIY festival for adventurous music, discourse and community.