With Uni Vibes, the festival that transcends borders, the University of Graz is once again expressing this attitude publicly, visibly and tangibly and, above all, with confidence. On 23 May, the university campus will be transformed into a stage for art, science, music and dance: "Diversity is not only shown, but celebrated with Uni Vibes," says the Rector. Together with the renowned La Strada festival and the Austrian Students' Union at the University of Graz (ÖH), the University of Graz cordially invites you to attend.
To university, get set, go!
A lot is also happening on the university campus in general. New spaces are being created, not only in terms of construction, but also in terms of building. For the ÖH, one thing is clear: studying today means more than just passing exams. It means being part of an active, diverse campus life. "For us students, the university is more than just our educational institution, it is our learning and living space," says Maja Höggerl, Chair of the ÖH of the University of Graz. The campus is a space for the public. This includes the many cafés and food trucks on and around the campus. "The 24-hour study zone is an important offer for students," emphasises Philip Zörner, Deputy Chair of the ÖH of the University of Graz. But what has been missing so far: A space for students where they don't have to consume anything.
Repurposing concept for "old canteen" in planning
Together with the Rectorate, the ÖH is therefore working on a re-utilisation concept for the "old canteen". The final details still need to be negotiated, but everyone involved is confident that a new meeting area for students will open its doors in the winter semester. "I would also like to thank the Rector, who always has an open ear for our concerns," says Höggerl. "It really is a collaboration at eye level," emphasises her deputy Zörner. There are plans for a learning and living space that will be open 24 hours a day and equipped with microwaves so that students can heat up food they have brought with them. "We are also planning to work together with the neighbouring Café Famoos," emphasise the two ÖH chairpersons. What is definitely needed is a name for the new space. "Here, too, we want to get suggestions from the students and then put the name to a vote," says Höggerl.
"It's no coincidence that the University of Graz was one of the first universities to set up a 24/7 learning zone. We are a presence university and the demand for space proves us right," reports Rector Riedler and emphasises that a university must always and above all be concerned with continuously improving the framework conditions for young people and creating an environment for them that enables successful learning and research. "With the reutilisation of the canteen, we are creating such an offer that doesn't depend on the size of your wallet," says Riedler. "The canteen is just one of many projects that we are working on together for the students," Höggerl and Zörner point out the importance of the ÖH and together call on students to vote between 13 and 15 May. "The ÖH election is an opportunity to help shape the development of the University of Graz with your own vote. The campus feeling is not just a buzzword for us - it is our reality that we are helping to shape."
Uni Vibes: La Strada brings the spark to the centre of campus
"For many years, my greatest interest has been in creating connections and establishing relationships - between international and local artists, between them and the population, between the different artistic approaches," explains La Strada director Werner Schrempf and emphasises the cooperation with the University of Graz, which is making a real highlight of the summer semester possible with Uni Vibes just a week after the ÖH elections. The Uni Vibes programme was curated together with La Strada. The team around artistic director Werner Schrempf brings artistic formats to the University of Graz campus that blur the boundaries between everyday life, art and research: from poetic interventions, dance and acrobatics to musical highlights such as DJ Ocho and Candlelight Ficus Extended. The artistic programme will be complemented by short lectures by academics from all faculties as well as guided tours of both the university library and the university museums, the impressive large construction sites on campus, the IDea_Lab and the Botanical Garden. A workshop in the Open Lab is also on offer.
Especially in connection with science, cultural work and artistic reflection take on a completely new role and responsibility, says La Strada director Schrempf. "Artists convey this in a very unique way that has a lasting effect. Uni Vibes shows how these connections can open up new spaces for thought and experience - in the centre of the city, in the centre of society."
In addition to art and knowledge, there will also be plenty of culinary delights. The Uni Café, The Underground Kitchen, the Libresso coffee house and KF Erde will provide food and drink around the main university building. On the Südwiese, the ÖH spritzer stand and Nandos will be open for night owls. And if you want to continue dancing after the Uni Vibes programme, you are welcome to join the after-show party at ppc. With "Uni Vibes - the festival that transcends borders", the University of Graz invites anyone and everyone to come to the campus. With free admission and whatever the weather, you can enjoy a colourful programme of art, science and music: Uni Vibes, Friday, 23 May 2025, from 6pm at the University of Graz.
Further information on the programme and location: https://dasfest.uni-graz.at/de/