Lecture:
Kalliope. Austrian women in Culture and Society
Organizers: Austrian Cultural Forum Warsaw, Provincial Public Library in Opole – Austrian Library, Austrian Library in Rzeszów, Austrian Culture Centre of Adam Mickiewicz University – Austrian Library, Śląsk Publishing House

On the occasion of the publication of Kalliope. Austrian Women in Culture and Society, we invite you to a special series of five lectures, during which the authors of the book’s articles will present their topics. Two of the events will take place at the Austrian Cultural Forum in Warsaw. The project will also involve selected Austrian Libraries in several cities, offering a wider audience the opportunity to discover the fascinating stories of Austrian women.

The Kalliope. Austrian Women in Culture and Society series presents the lives of important but somewhat forgotten Austrian women who contributed to the country’s reputation beyond its borders. The articles introduce Austrian women active in various socio-cultural contexts whose significant achievements allowed them to step out of the shadow of men. The scholarly and popular-scientific nature of the texts, arranged chronologically, provides a vivid portrait of Austria’s cultural history, shaped by female creators, politicians, historians, and other outstanding women.

Lecture dates:

07.11.2025, 6:00 PM
Austrian Cultural Forum
Próżna 7/9, Warsaw
Dr. Paweł Meus and Dr. Agata Borek will introduce the concept and content of the series.
Dr. Paweł Meus – „Hildegard Burjan. Politician, Social Reformer, Blessed”
Hildegard Burjan was an Austrian politician and social reformer who was beatified by the Catholic Church after her death. Coming from an assimilated Jewish family focused on education and work, her life changed profoundly after a miraculous recovery from a serious illness.

17.11.2025, 6:00 PM
Austrian Cultural Forum
Próżna 7/9, Warsaw
Dr. hab. Michał Skop, prof. UŚ.  – „Lina Loos. Between Café, Stage and Books”
Lina Loos was a “desired woman” in Vienna’s literary circles who, from a young age, sought personal and artistic independence within a male-dominated artistic scene. She became part of the Viennese literary elite, especially around Peter Altenberg, whose circle included Karl Kraus, Egon Friedell, and Adolf Loos – her future husband. She is remembered as an actress, publicist, and author of plays and short stories.

18.11.2025, 9:00 AM
Austrian Library in Rzeszów
ul. prof. Stanisława Pigonia 8, Rzeszów
Dr. Krzysztof Kłosowicz – „Between Vienna and London. A Literary Journey through the Life of Hilde Spiel”
Hilde Spiel is considered one of the most versatile Austrian writers, essayists, and translators of the 20th century. In 1936, she emigrated to London, returning to Austria in 1963. Her rich and diverse body of work focuses on exile and emancipation. Through her translations and journalistic work for British publications, she made an important contribution to cultural exchange between Austria and the UK.

26.11.2025, 1:15 PM
Austrian Culture Centre of Adam Mickiewicz University – Austrian Library
room C3, Collegium Novum 
al. Niepodległości 4, Poznań
Dr. Magdalena Popławska – „Marlen Haushofer. The Meanders of an Unfulfilled Writer’s Creativity”
Marlen Haushofer was not widely recognized during her lifetime, despite receiving several prestigious literary awards. Her works address uncomfortable topics, drawing attention to social inequality and the dangers it entails.

12.12.2025, 6:00 PM
Austrian Cultural Forum
Próżna 7/9, Warsaw
Dr. Monika Blidy – „Master of Landscape. Pioneer of Women’s Painting – Tina Blau”
Tina Blau was a remarkable Austrian painter who developed her own distinctive style and became a pioneer of so-called „mood impressionism.” The lecture traces her artistic evolution and the challenges she faced to gain recognition in the male-dominated Viennese art world of the early 20th century.