249

Arte Útil archive nr:

249

Initiator:

WochenKlausur

Location:

Austria

Category:

economy, social

Users:

Wochenklausur, seven immigrants that participated, relief organizations, families of kurdish cities of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulemanija, Childrens of Bonia and students of the University of Graz.

Maintained by:

WochenKlausur

Certification:

implemented

Duration:

1995

WochenKlausur
-
Immigrant Labor Issues

Description:

In order to pursue an occupation legally in Austria, foreigners must have a work permit. At the time of the project, the Minister of Social Affairs set a yearly
quota for the number of work permits issued. The group used the special arrangement for foreign “artists” (that allowed artists to remain in the country
without a work permit as long as they could prove that they lived from their artistic activity). Seven immigrants were commissioned to produce "Social
Sculptures". It was necessary to find patrons who would provide the “artists” with an income by commissioning them. The commissions and their honoraria provided the proof of income required for the refugees to take advantage of the exception made for artists. Each Social Sculpture would consist of preparing aid materials for relief efforts.

Goals:

Circumventing strict legislation concerning foreigners.

Beneficial Outcomes:

The project assured the participants legal residency in Austria. Afterward the materials were transported to their destinations by relief organizations. Through the project the refugees secured legal residency in Austria for one year. Several of them (especially the Bosnians) later returned to their home countries. One of the participants married in Austria, and two others obtained further commissions as artists.

Images:

WochenKlausur, Immigrant Labor Issues, 1995