History reveals Erl's existence
In the world of arts and culture, two prestigious festivals – the Tiroler Festspiele Erl and the Beethovenfest Bonn – are facing criticism for their handling of sexual misconduct allegations against prominent figures.
The Tiroler Festspiele Erl, currently under the leadership of Jonas Kaufmann, has come under fire for its lack of criticism or self-reflection regarding Gustav Kuhn's past transgressions. In 2019, the Equal Treatment Commission of the Austrian Chancellor's Office ruled that there was clear evidence of sexual harassment by Kuhn. Despite this, the festival chose to celebrate Kuhn's 80th birthday, a decision that many find controversial and a reminder of the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in the arts industry.
The Beethovenfest Bonn, too, is facing criticism. The festival, along with its co-organiser, the Bertelsmann Foundation, are being criticised for their role in the handling of the #MeToo debate. Victims of sexual violence have been denied the opportunity to perform on stage, instead being offered "honorary tickets". This decision has sparked outrage, with Shoko Kuroe and other critics calling for change.
The controversy surrounding Kuhn extends beyond the Tiroler Festspiele Erl. After an open letter was published by female musicians detailing their experiences of sexual assault, Kuhn resigned from his position at the Neue Stimmen competition. However, he remained in his position as head of the master classes, a role he eventually stepped down from following public allegations of rape.
The Neue Stimmen competition distanced itself from Kuhn after the public allegations, ensuring he was no longer connected to the competition. In contrast, the Tiroler Festspiele Erl's website still features a gushing birthday greeting for Kuhn, despite his resignation due to sexual assault allegations.
The cultural scene is grappling with how to handle sexual assault and authoritarian behaviour by leaders. This is evident in the case of Nike Wagner, the former director of the Beethovenfest Bonn, who supported the convicted criminal Siegfried Mauser.
Journalist Markus Wilhelm, who has been critical of the Tiroler Festspiele Erl for poor working conditions, faced legal action from the festival's sponsor, Hans Peter Haselsteiner, after his criticism. Eighteen lawsuits were filed against Wilhelm, many of which were eventually settled in his favour.
The Beethovenfest Bonn and the Bertelsmann Foundation have work to do in addressing the issue of sexual assault and authoritarian behaviour. The Tiroler Festspiele Erl, now under Kaufmann's leadership, must also demonstrate a commitment to change and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. The arts community as a whole must confront and address these issues to ensure a safer, more inclusive environment for all.
