A common past. A common future.Vienna-based. Regionally rooted. Connected through culture.
01 / The instituteIndependent cultural work
A place for many memories.
Lighthouse is an independent Vienna-based cultural initiative working at the meeting point of people, landscape and memory.
Through documentary photography, oral history, research and local collaboration, we make the relationships that shape cultural landscapes visible. The work becomes publications, exhibitions, education, public conversations and a living archive.
Each regional programme is designed to create lasting cultural value: rooted in its community and open to exchange across Europe.
Registered in Austria since 2007
PhotographyResearchOral historyPublic dialogue
02 / Explore the regionsEurope’s other map
One landscape at a time.
Cultural connections reach beyond borders. Begin with the people and places, then follow the questions that link them.
Vienna
The institutional home connecting regional work, standards and European relationships.
Programme 01 · In developmentNorthern Adriatic
Istria · Programme 01
Istria
A cultural landscape, told through its people.
Istria is the first region in which the complete Lighthouse model is being developed. Landscape, settlement, maritime culture, agriculture, craft, language and community memory form a broader cultural portrait.
Living knowledgeLayered identitiesAustria–Adriatic connections
Planned outputs include the Istria Cultural Atlas, a photographic and oral-history archive, and public programmes in Austria and Istria. Food and producers remain an important strand of the work.
03 / The regional stewardship modelContinuity by design
The first publication is a beginning.
The initial work creates a programme. Regional stewardship gives it a life beyond the first book, exhibition or grant.
01
Discover
Begin with relationships.
Map people, places, institutions, communities, archives and disappearing practices. Build relationships across the region.
Lighthouse Vienna
The connecting institution.
Methodology, curatorial and ethical standards, international relationships and stewardship review remain with Lighthouse.
The regional steward
Knowledge stays rooted.
A trusted local institution or dedicated foundation may manage a mature programme: expanding the archive, involving communities and sustaining public activity.
The European network
Exchange creates new knowledge.
Future programmes can exchange exhibitions, research, education and archive methods. A recurring European Forum in Brussels is a longer-term ambition.
04 / Programme 01Istria · In development
From fieldwork to public life.
Istria is the first region in which the complete Lighthouse model is being developed.
Programme 01 / Istria
Cultural programme · In development
The Istria Cultural Atlas
A cultural portrait joining photography with oral history, archives and regional research. Producers and food traditions sit within the wider story of a layered landscape.
Landscape, work and the knowledge carried by hands.29 selected images
Land & landscape
01Land & memory02The red earth03Olive harvest
Sea & maritime life
10The working sea11Gathering shellfish12A boat at rest
Food & craft
20Bread by hand21Flour & gesture22Truffles
26
NOVEMBER 2026
The next Vienna milestone
Lighthouse at mumok
26 November 2026 · 17:30 · Vienna
Introducing Lighthouse and Programme 01 Istria to cultural, diplomatic, foundation, business and regional partners.
Working togetherCuratorial independence
Rooted locally. Connected to Europe.
The people of a region are the source of its knowledge.
Lighthouse brings communities, cultural institutions, researchers, educators and supporting partners into the work. Business partners contribute capacity and networks without editorial control over cultural interpretation.
Partners & supporters
Confirmed regional partner · Programme 01 IstriaMaistra Hospitality Group
Regional access, participation in the Vienna presentation and planned placement of approximately 1,000 books across Grand Park, Monte Mulini, Lone, Adriatic, Eden and Park Concept Store. Final editions, pricing and delivery remain to be agreed.
Photographic work
Current projects.
Photographic initiative / Istanbul
Exhibition concept · In development
Istanbul, beyond the familiar
A photographic exploration of everyday life and the layers of time in the city. A possible exhibition with the Austrian Cultural Forum Istanbul remains under consideration.
Istria · Programme 01
