Yesterday the vernissage of the exhibition “HILFS.WERKE” by the Vienna Relief Organization took place in the theartworkersroom* in Vienna’s 6th district. The focus is on eight employees, their areas of work and moving stories – artfully captured by four renowned photographers. The publicly accessible exhibition runs from November 11th to 21st, 2024 and is accessible free of charge.
Work in the social sector is meaningful, collaborative and people-centered. It combines professional support with social commitment and provides help where it is needed most. It is work that not only closes social gaps and is there where social systems reach their limits, but also focuses on the dignity and well-being of each and every individual. The exhibition, which was opened yesterday by 120 employees, supporters and prominent guests of honor, including Austrian Relief Organization President Othmar Karas, honors the valuable social work and its importance for society as a whole.
“A wonderful and appreciative way to experience art and at the same time immerse yourself in the touching stories of eight employees of the Vienna relief organization. Using the example of our hero shot by Reiner Riedler, which shows Nanaa Nyarko from homeless assistance, you can feel the deep meaning of human cohesion, which symbolizes the entire employee culture of the Vienna Relief Organization,” says Sabine Geringer, Managing Director of the Vienna Relief Organization , during her welcoming remarks at the opening.
Eight people and their areas of influence are brought to light
In 32 images, photographers Reiner Riedler, Verena Kathrein, Erli Grünzweil and Nisha Hein create an intimate homage with “HILFS.WERKE” that focuses on employees of the Vienna relief organization and their moving stories. The images capture the essence of humanity in the moment: when supportive hands provide comfort, when a smile builds bridges or when touch gives new hope. In the areas of care and support, homeless assistance, refugee assistance, neighborhood centers, leisure facilities for people with disabilities, childcare, social markets and administration, what often remains hidden becomes visible through the artists’ lens: the deep meaning of supporting each other and working together and grow together. The exhibition is curated by Manuel W. Stepan from theartworkersroom*.
“Helping people and being there for them in such a way that they really feel that someone is there – that is important to me with all my heart. I want to give the women in the assisted living house on Bürgerspitalgasse the best possible advice and, thanks to my working environment at the Vienna Relief Organization, I have the freedom to design the health advice entirely according to their needs,” says Naana Nyarko, one of the eight models, about her meaningful work as a health advisor in homeless assistance of the Vienna Relief Organization.
“HILFS.WERKE” exhibition open to the public
WHEN: November 11th to 21st, Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., free entry
WHERE: theartworkersroom*, Linke Wienzeile 178, 1060 Vienna
The Vienna relief organization requests that the exhibition be included in the event calendar.
All details: www.wiener.hilfswerk.at/hilfs-werke
Vienna relief organization
The Vienna Relief Organization is a non-profit, social organization that is active in the area of mobile care and social services, child care as well as homeless and refugee assistance. It operates day centers for seniors, senior living communities, neighborhood centers, leisure facilities for people with and without disabilities, and social markets. The Vienna relief organization employs around 2,000 full-time, honorary and voluntary employees. Further information: www.wiener.hilfswerk.at