Media technology | Equipment pool

The Academy of Fine Arts provides students on the Fine Art programe (code numbers UR 605 and UR 606), as well as those on the PhD in Practice and Master’s in Critical Studies programes (code numbers UR 094 607 and UR 066 740), with high-quality equipment (video, audio and photography) along with appropriate specialist advice, which can be used for projects as part of their studies.

Authorization to borrow equipment 

To do so, students must obtain borrowing authorisation for the equipment pool (video, photography). Authorisation to borrow photography and video equipment from the Institute of Fine Arts (IBK) is granted upon passing a relevant aptitude test. There are 1–2 test sessions available per semester. The aim is to assess the extent to which students are familiar with the basic technical standards of the relevant field. Questions on video formats, signal paths and cable types, the correct use of lighting equipment, tripods, etc., and general knowledge of equipment maintenance are key factors. It is expressly NOT a question of whether someone is capable of producing a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ video or photograph (in a technical and/or artistic sense). There are specific courses for this purpose. The purpose of the test is to determine whether you have the necessary experience and knowledge to handle the equipment professionally and ensure a smooth hire process, so that the equipment can continue to be made available to all IBK students in good condition in the future. The course ‘Technical Basics of Camera, Sound and Lighting’ taught by Caroline Bobek (currently only in the winter semester) or the ‘Photography and Video 1–3’ courses should enable you to pass the test without any difficulty.

Next date: this will be sent out to all students via the Academy’s email distribution list at the start of each semester. Registration by replying to the invitation email is essential.

How does it work? The test questions are handed out on the spot and marked immediately afterwards. Anyone who answers fewer than 70 per cent of the questions correctly will not be authorized to borrow equipment, but may retake the test on the next scheduled date.

Equipment hire

After the test and/or before their first hire, authorized students will receive a brief introduction to the hire process. There is also a loan policy (terms and conditions) which applies equally to students and teaching staff. This sets out the basic structure of the loan scheme and must be confirmed with a signature after each collection. Reservations must be sent by email to equipmentpool@akbild.ac.at. Please always state the equipment ID or the exact description and the required period. An up-to-date list of equipment can be found on the website. Collection and return should be arranged with Gilbert Marx and his team on the 2nd floor of the studio building at Léhargasse 8 (Semperdepot), 1060 Vienna. If you have any questions, please contact Gilbert Marx directly.

For any enquiries regarding equipment for exhibitions, installations and presentations, and other technical support – particularly for larger installations and suspended objects – please contact Gilbert Marx outside the equipment hire opening hours via: +43(1)58816-6102, g.marx@akbild.ac.at.

Technical supervision of degree projects and exhibitions at Lehargasse

For degree projects, a personal consultation and project discussion 4–6 weeks in advance is required in order to provide appropriate support. Please contact Richard Reisenberger to book a room and/or Gilbert Marx for technical implementation, and (for larger projects) arrange an appointment via email. No firm commitment can be made for last-minute enquiries. For exhibition design (mobile walls), please also send all enquiries and information in good time to Richard Reisenberger, R.Reisenberger-Littasy@akbild.ac.at.

Room reservation MZS:
Richard Reisenberger-Littasy
r.reisenberger-littasy@akbild.ac.at.

Room reservation study area E11 (ground floor Art and Time | Photography)
Mag. Michael Höpfner
m.hoepfner@akbild.ac.at

Room reservation study area I11 (1. floor Art and Intervention | Concept):
Maren Grimm
m.grimm@akbild.ac.at.

Room reservation study area I12 (1. floor  Art and Time | Video and Media)
Axel Stockburger
a.stockburger@akbild.ac.at.

For all other locations, please contact the respective supervisor.