In 2022, 75 children between the ages of five and thirteen selected artworks for Altoonapark together with Public Art Lower Austria (KOERNOE). As part of this collaboration between KOERNOE and the KinderKunstLabor, a dedicated selection process was developed: two children’s advisory groups – consisting of students from the Otto-Glöckel-Volksschule and the Sportmittelschule St. Pölten, as well as participants from the Kunstideenwerkstatt of the KinderKunstLabor – were actively involved in the decision-making process and granted voting rights in the jury.

"Talking about art with children. Gaining a fresh perspective on situations and processes through their eyes. Critically questioning traditional approaches and methods. Expanding familiar forms of communication and engagement. For the invited artists as well as the KOERNOE team, it was an exciting and enriching exchange, and now we are delighted with the finished sculptures, which the children have already received with great enthusiasm."
Katrina Petter, Head of Public Art Lower Austria

At the beginning, the KOERNOE committee, together with Mona Jas, the artistic director of the KinderKunstLabor, nominated eight artistic positions. In workshops, the children had the opportunity to engage critically with the nominated artists and their approaches, exploring which artistic ideas they could envision for Altoonapark.

Following this, Daniela Brasil, Peter Fritzenwallner, Christine and Irene Hohenbüchler, and Andrea Maurer were invited to develop proposals and conduct workshops with the children and adolescents. This phase allowed for mutual acquaintance and hands-on exploration of themes, materials, and methods.

Finally, Ajaat Inalova, Arin Berk, Emilia Bosch, Josefine Kerl, Lilaf Majidaldin, Marjam Borshikova, Mudasar Alikhel, Yaser Nabizoda, and Yusuf Kholidzada contributed their perspectives and assessments to the KOERNOE committee. With two votes, they also complemented the nine-member jury during the final selection session.

"The direct dialogue with the artists, as well as the opportunity to participate in the jury process, fostered a sense of belonging to the art world for the children and empowered them as ‘cultural citizens’ in their right to take part in art and culture."
Mona Jas, Artistic Director, KinderKunstLabor

Two works were selected. The first is by Andrea Maurer. With her Buchstabentheater, she created a walk-in sculpture in the shape of an “A”, open on all sides and offering a variety of perceptual and interactive possibilities. For example, the interior includes a flexible “J” that serves as both support and seating, as well as a semi-transparent spy mirror that inverts the relationship between inside and outside.

The second project is the organically shaped object Co:Co by Christine and Irene Hohenbüchler. The name was given by the children of the Kunstideenwerkstatt. Based on the children’s drawings and wishes, the artists designed a cave-like sculpture that also resembles an animal-like creature. It provides views in and out, playing with the concepts of interior and exterior, hiding and shelter. This is complemented by several metal objects, whose shapes and colors contrast with the concrete sculpture and act as bright markers among the trees.