ESeL

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eSeL is a Vienna-based art platform founded in 1998 by Lorenz Seidler. It runs a weekly newsletter called “eSeL Mehl,” several mailing lists, a photo archive and an event database. The name eSeL comes from Seidler’s initials and has grown into a brand, using animal imagery to symbolize independence, curiosity and asking questions. Based in the MuseumsQuartier, eSeL blends the roles of artist, curator, online medium and infrastructure provider in modern, new-media art. Its guiding idea is to challenge conventions and show how media shapes art, captured in the slogan “Kunst kommt von Kommunizieren” (art comes from communication).

It began as an online art information source and event listings site and has developed into an institution that supports art activities in Vienna through projects, performances and exhibitions. It aims to reach a younger audience by featuring both emerging and established artists across fields such as visual arts, performance, dance, public art, film, media art, music and civil society activities. The eSeL.at site offers a curated calendar for Vienna and surrounding areas, the weekly newsletter and a photo archive. The calendar is divided into daily entries and sections like eSeL Neugierde, hAmSteR Events, Maultier Kunst, Uhu Diskurs, Ameisen Urbanismus, Nerz Techleben, Flimmer Ratte, Kanari Klangwelten, Tauben Loge, Pudel Design, Public Access, Eselchen Kinderprogramm and nicht in Wien. In 2010, adding social-media functionality to “eSeL 2.0” won second prize at the IG Kultur Wien Innovation Award. The newsletter goes out every Thursday to over 10,000 subscribers and includes a seven-day preview plus a photo selection by Seidler. Since 2011, the “eSeL RECEPTION” at Q21 in MuseumsQuartier has offered an open, offline information point with a library, exhibition and workshop space, and hosts events such as “Kunst & SpieleN.”