KiS sets standards for art + events

Contemporary art gets a home in Seefeld

It all began in 2021 with an idea - and the joint drive of art collector Rafael Jablonka and the then mayor of Seefeld, Werner Frießer. Contemporary art was to move into part of the unused old fire station. Since then, Rafael Jablonka and his wife Teresa's collection of world-class contemporary art has been made accessible to art lovers from all over the world.

This idea was put on a solid footing at the beginning of 2022 when KiS - Verein zur Förderung zeitgenössischer Kunst in Seefeld was launched. The photo below right shows some of the founders with the newly elected chairwoman Elisabeth Gürtler (front center).

In the years that followed, this idea took flight: the exhibitions, which changed twice a year, were joined by concerts, talks with artists, readings and - this is particularly important to the KiS team - special programs for children and young people. At the association's general assembly in January 2025, an impressive review of the past three-year period was presented, along with the re-election of the board and the goal of continuing this ambitious program at the same level in the coming years.

The photo below left shows chairwoman Elisabeth Gürtler together with her fellow board members Christian Jäger and Clemens Rhomberg (2nd and 3rd from left) as well as the founders Markus Langes-Swarovski (far left) and Ernst Mitterndorfer (2nd from right) and KiS initiator Rafael Jablonka.

KiS - Association for the promotion of contemporary art in Seefeld

What we want. What we offer you.

Our KiS association, which was founded at the beginning of 2022, aims to enable as many people as possible to encounter contemporary art. Free access to the exhibitions means a low barrier to entry. There are also numerous events throughout the year: Concerts with 20th and 21st century music on the program, readings, vernissages, finissages or artist talks.

We open the Kunsthalle to everyone for this cultural experience and reserve a few events as a thank-you for our members. In the meantime, KiS has gained a reputation far beyond the borders of the Seefeld plateau, which also benefits tourism. Our visitor statistics show that guests from all over the world appreciate the top-class exhibition program. The Seefeld Tourist Board has been a strong and important cooperation partner for our initiative right from the start.

As part of our art education activities, we place great emphasis on working with children and young people. The income from the Förderverein will enable us to offer a special children's program for the first time in 2024.

By setting up his Schaulager, KiS initiator Rafael Jablonka has succeeded in introducing another highlight for our association members. The association is currently able to offer exclusive guided tours of the exquisite collection of contemporary art in Rafael Jablonka's private showrooms - for the time being, only our association members will benefit. The admission fees collected will in turn benefit the association's activities.

KiS stands for art in Seefeld - and at the same time for the presentation of works of contemporary art that can be seen in the world's major museums and galleries. Names such as Miquel Barceló, Andy Warhol, David LaChapelle and Pia Fries speak for themselves.

Contemporary art is the focus of the exhibitions in the Alte Feuerwehrhalle in Seefeld, which change twice a year. And works from the 20th and 21st centuries also dominate the supporting program of concerts and readings.

We want to keep the barrier to entry as low as possible, which is why we offer free admission to our exhibitions. We also work together with schools and organize special children's programmes to awaken an interest in art at an early age.

Artistic encounters at vernissages, concerts or artist talks: KiS - Kunst in Seefeld has made a name for itself as a meeting place for art lovers from near and far.

Association Board

Elected at the founding meeting, February 2022

Chairwoman Elisabeth Gürtler

Treasurer Christian Jäger

Secretary Clemens Rhomberg

Deputy Secretary Alexandra M. Jablonka

Project team

Sylvia Frenes-Lutz office@kunstinseefeld.at

Founders

Elisabeth Gürtler Hotel Sacher
Hans Peter Haselsteiner
Rafael Jablonka
Christian Jäger Euroinvest
Renate Labak
Markus Langes-Swarovski
Erich Mitterndorfer Halotech light factory
Klaus Ortner
Clemens Rhomberg Rhomberg Gallery