Rüdiger Wassibauer is founder and artistic director at Schmiede Hallein. Schmiede is a producers’ festival and community, based on three simple principles: network, create, present. Annually, since 2003, Schmiede produces this focused collective experience in a salt works located on an island in the Salzach river in Austria. His work in advisory councils on a state and national level has given him a good overview and insight into cultural life, policy and effect as well as governmental operations and politics. Mr. Wassibauer holds degrees in international business and finance, French, economy and history from James Madison University, Virginia. Mr. Wassibauer is a Fellow of Session 498 Young Cultural Leaders Forum (2012) and Session 503 Promoting the Next Generation of Cultural Entrepreneurs: Planning for Success (2013).
