auawirleben: Individual, team, organisation, environment – a compass for resilience in the performing arts

When people talk about «resilience», they usually mean the resilience of individuals. But what makes organisations resilient? What structural mechanisms help us not only to survive crises but to emerge from them stronger? These questions are the focus of the «auawirleben» research project.

Using a specialised research process (action research), auawirleben works with two systemic organisational consultants to develop practically applicable models and methods. These models are specially designed for the unique conditions in the performing arts. The project is based on the assumption that a great deal of crisis knowledge already exists in the local and international scene.

Research interviews with groups and artists from different contexts are used to gather empirical knowledge. This involves dealing with different aspects of internal and external pressure. The findings will be discussed with the scene during the public supporting programme of the 2026 festival. This process will result in the «Resilience Compass», a guiding tool to help organisations, independent groups and artists strengthen their stability and resilience.