The history of the 1930s to ’80s is present in Heinrich Heidersberger’s body of work in a variety of ways. Reflected in it is the dichotomy between fine art and applied photography facing many photographers in those decades, but also the challenge of having worked under three political systems. The extent to which the photographer dared to realize his own ideas, to open up new perspectives on what was already established, and to overcome technical restrictions with considerable inventiveness and expertise can be seen again and again in his photographs.

In keeping with this, it is the self-declared mission of the Heidersberger Institute to comprehensively deal with, evaluate, and present his work in new contexts, and to make it accessible to broader public audiences. The many activities of the institute are dedicated to showcasing the importance and diversity of his work. It is important to make public not only Heinrich Heidersbeger’s experimental, fine art works, such as his renowned Rhythmograms, but also his commissioned photographic works, an area of activity in which the photographer consistently identified and adopted creative solutions.

The Heidersberger Institute, founded in 2002 and housed in the artist’s former studio, is thus dedicated to the scholarly and artistic examination of Heinrich Heidersberger’s life’s work. Conceived as a workshop, it develops ideas and concepts for contemporary artistic projects that take up and advance aspects of Heinrich Heidersberger’s complex work. In addition, it organizes thematic exhibitions focusing on Heinrich Heidersberger’s specific areas of creative output.