Focus on Biodiversity

With the first edition of the STEIERMARK SCHAU in 2021, the Province of Styria launched a forward-looking biennial exhibition format aimed at addressing current social issues. The second STEIERMARK SCHAU, starting in April 2023, will therefore be dedicated to the diversity of life. The main venue for the project is Tierwelt Herberstein, which has been part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum since 2022. And once again, a mobile exhibition component will bring the STEIERMARK SCHAU to other regions of Styria.

From its very first edition in 2021, the STEIERMARK SCHAU has focused on current issues of our time—namely, the development, identity, and future prospects of many regions in Styria, as viewed through the lenses of science, culture, and art. The second edition sheds light on a topic that is no less relevant: the importance—and thus the necessity—of preserving biodiversity, using Styria as an example. Visitors will be introduced to this topic through themed exhibits as well as in a new “House of Biodiversity” at Tierwelt Herberstein and the adjacent Feistritzklamm European Nature Reserve. This fascinating diversity will be brought to life primarily through interactive exhibition techniques. In a mobile exhibition element designed by Alexander Kada, the theme of the STEIERMARK SCHAU will continue to be explored from various artistic perspectives in the coming year and will be taken to the regions of Styria and beyond.

Christopher Drexler, State Councilor for Culture: “Nature offers an incredibly fascinating and impressive diversity, which is evident in Styria in a very special way. In Herberstein, this diversity of life—in terms of both flora and fauna—is particularly concentrated. The STEIERMARK SCHAU is a grand declaration of love for our state. In 2023, we want to proudly showcase just how colorful and biologically diverse our beautiful homeland is. This exploration from both scientific and artistic perspectives as part of the STEIERMARK SCHAU 2023 should serve as our mission to protect and preserve the unique diversity of life.”

Biodiversity refers to the biological diversity of life. Protecting it is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The changes to our planet caused by human activity and their negative effects are currently accelerating the loss of biodiversity at an alarming rate. When a species goes extinct, it is irretrievably lost to the planet along with its specific functions and—in the worst-case scenario—upsets the balance of ecosystem functions that are vital to human life. Biodiversity is our precious natural heritage—the foundation of our human existence and the basis of life for future generations. Its functional, material, and aesthetic value is immeasurable. The diversity of life is unique—all over the world and right on our own doorstep—and it touches each and every one of us.

The Universalmuseum Joanneum is serving as the organizer of the state exhibition. “Even as we continue to grapple with the consequences of the pandemic, the irreversible loss of biodiversity in the Anthropocene is one of the greatest challenges of our time. There is no better place in Styria to convey this message than at Tierwelt Herberstein, in conjunction with the Feistritzklamm European Nature Reserve, which is unique in its species richness. The organizational merger of Tierwelt Herberstein with the Universalmuseum Joanneum and its Natural History Department is a logical step and provides an excellent foundation for developing the exhibition concept, as both institutions are committed to the protection of nature,” said Wolfgang Muchitsch and Alexia Getzinger, the managing directors of Universalmuseum Joanneum GmbH.

Experience and Take Action

The goal of the STEIERMARK SCHAU is to spark fascination and curiosity, to make the diversity of life in all its facets tangible, and to inspire visitors to take action and get creative. In the “House of Biological Diversity,” visitors will gain insights into the biological cosmos and have the opportunity to explore the diversity of life for themselves. Most of the installations will be interactive, allowing visitors to step into the role of a naturalist. At the same time, they will experience their own significance within the ecosystem and come to understand the complex relationship between themselves and other living beings. Humans are part of the whole. The exhibition aims to encourage visitors to act with empathy and awareness, and to highlight perspectives for alternative, sustainable action. Based on personal points of connection, the focus shifts to the individual’s own capacity to shape the future—fostering a responsible approach to the biological diversity of life in their immediate surroundings.

The Natural History Department at the Universalmuseum Joanneum and Tierwelt Herberstein are leading the planning of the STEIERMARK SCHAU 2023. Wolfgang Paill, head of the Natural History Department at the Joanneum, sees the collaboration as a great opportunity: “Natural history museums have always focused on the diversity of the living world. Precisely because of the ongoing loss of this treasure, I am delighted to be able to make this topic—which is so important for our future—accessible to a wider audience as part of the STEIERMARK SCHAU.”

Doris Wolkner-Steinberger, Managing Director of Tierwelt Herberstein: “In addition to our existing comprehensive zoological offerings, hosting the STEIERMARK SCHAU 2023 will provide a completely new perspective on Tierwelt Herberstein. As a subsidiary of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, the state zoo will thus have the opportunity to introduce visitors to yet another facet of zoology.”

Visit the STEIERMARK SCHAU website