Circle Talks – Der Community Stammtisch

As part of Viviane Lê Tanzmeister’s kültüř gemma! fellowship at Kunsthalle Wien, Circle Talks took place from January to May 2026 – an open discussion and exchange format based on street dance and hip-hop cultures, in which gathering in a circle (cypher) is a central social and artistic practice. As a safe space for encounter, reflection and networking, the monthly programme invited participants to experience gathering as a form of care, communal learning and collective perception. Each session was rounded off with an open dance jam, which continued the exchange on a physical and artistic level.

The five Circle Talks addressed various topics closely linked to questions of community, care and cultural practice. The events were hosted by Viviane Lê Tanzmeister and one other person each time, including Farah Deen, Kaddy Camara, Imani Rameses and Maira Darja Horváth aka Moodra. The series began with an exploration of the significance of gatherings and the question of what spaces people need today for encounter, belonging and exchange. The second session focused on community care. Through shared reflections and the creation of individual care maps, relationships, resources and responsibilities within communities were made visible and discussed.

The third Circle Talk explored perception and the different ways of seeing within a community. Participants examined how gazes, interpretations and mutual perceptions shape our understanding of living together. The discussion moved on to focus on the concept of positionality: through physical exercises and reflection on social identities, questions regarding power dynamics, privilege and the conscious occupation of space were explored.

The final Circle Talk was dedicated to battle culture in street dance and provided a space for an open exchange on competition, encounters and community-building. The fellowship concluded with the Beyond Battle at Kunsthalle Wien. The event brought dancers together expressing themselves through freestyle showcasing their skills, creativity and musicality. In dialogue with the exhibition Lebt und arbeitet in Wien, a vibrant meeting place for exchange, connection and collective knowledge emerged where dance, music and visual art intersected.

The Circle Talks demonstrated the importance of spaces where people can come together to share experiences, learn from one another and develop new perspectives. They forged connections within the street dance community and beyond, transforming Kunsthalle Wien into a place for collective reflection, movement and creation.