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Economics meets art: WU turns the spotlight on hidden talents

04/03/2021

The connections between economics, business, and art may not always be obvious at first glance. The arts aren’t just an important industry. Artistic talents are also a key source of recreation and motivation for many executives and entrepreneurs. For WU, looking at the interplay of these different activities is therefore much more than just an interesting research topic. With the WU’s Talents initiative, the university now wants to bring the WU community’s creative side into the spotlight. Applications are open until March 16.

The WU community is made up of almost 55,000 alumni, 21,000 students, 2,500 employees, and many friends and supporters. Among them, there are scores of musicians, dancers, illusionists, comedians, painters, sculptors, writers, and people with many other inspiring talents. The goal of WU’s Talents is to turn the spotlight on these artistic and creative sides of the WU community.

Taking the stage to step out of the COVID-19 routine

“Business, economics, and the arts are not different worlds. To the contrary, these fields can benefit from and enrich each other,” says WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger, who had the idea of carrying out a talent show at WU. “I’m sure that many members of the WU community have extraordinary talents that are not immediately visible. We now want to turn the spotlight on these talents. It’s a great opportunity for the participants to draw strength and motivation from their own creativity and bring a bit of positive spirit to the COVID-19 situation. We want everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves while showcasing their talents.”

Coaching for outstanding talents, and a live show on April 12

The talent show is open to all WU students, faculty, and staff, alumni, and supporters – from amateur to professional level. The categories range from music and acrobatics to the fine arts. People with all kinds of talents can apply by submitting videos or photos. Participants can choose whether they would like to participate online only or also be a part of the final live show event. The live show will be streamed online. The event will feature a live panel of judges. Aside from WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger, the panel also includes the following personalities: Max Hollein, director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and WU Manager of the Year 2020, WU University Board Chair Cattina Leitner, musician and talent scout Peter Pansky, ORF TV presenter  Elisabeth Vogel, and Norbert Zimmermann, former CEO of Berndorf AG and an enthusiastic jazz musician. Selected acts will be invited to a professional coaching session to boost their talents and have the opportunity to perform at WU events.

To participate, please go to https://www.wu.ac.at/en/wus-talents/application.

For more information, please see https://www.wu.ac.at/en/wus-talents.

Contact:
Cornelia Moll
Press Relations Officer
Tel: + 43-1-31336-4977
Email: cornelia.moll@wu.ac.at

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