Ve.Sch: Vienna's Artist-Run Bar and Exhibition Space Fosters Local Art Community

Ve.Sch, an artist-run space in Vienna, operates as a bar and exhibition venue, fostering dialogue within the local art scene. Founded in 2008, it is located at Schikanedergasse 11, near Schleifmühlgasse, the Secession, the Generali Foundation, and the MuseumsQuartier. The space is run by artists Martin Vesely, Ludwig Kittinger, Franz Zar, and Thea Moeller, who each contribute their networks to invite artists for exhibitions. Open only on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm, Ve.Sch combines art displays with bar sales, which help finance the space alongside state support. Recent exhibitions have included interactive works like David Moises's piece involving crossbows and polyurethane foam, and Hugo Canoilas's Wound (2013), featuring linen painted with vintage advertisements. The venue emphasizes inclusivity and avoids artworld hierarchies, aiming to be a space for diverse artists and conversations. It has become a Tuesday- and Thursday-night institution in Vienna's art community, focusing on local productions through performances, installations, and music.