DECAF

In the course of the DECAF project, we establish a biographical and prosopographical encyclopedia of people and institutions involved in the cultural exchange between Austria and France from 1740 to the present day. The individual entries, showing the manifold cultural relations between the two countries, will be published in a wiki, i.e. in a free online encyclopedia. DECAF shows that cultures are not self-contained, `national` entities, but have always thrived on cross-border exchange. This exchange is based on complex processes of mutual reception, inspiration and penetration, in which cultural mediators in particular play an important role. Previous research has not only neglected Austro-French cultural contacts, but also the agents involved. DECAF now focuses on them, showing new facets of great personalities are made visible (for example, if they also worked as translators). Seemingly insignificant persons, e.g. translators and critics, which have received little attention so far, are brought to the fore. At the same time, the project`s staff is dedicated to the various institutions that have contributed to mutual mediation. The project focuses on the fields of literature, music, performing and visual arts. DECAF can thus draw a differentiated picture of Austro-French cultural transfer, also taking into account contacts between the various disciplines. It provides the basis for a global, transdisciplinary history of cultural exchange between France and Austria. In addition, it offers examples which show how processes of cultural exchange take place and how notions of the `own` and the `foreign` are developed. DECAF is a joint project of researchers from the University of Innsbruck and the University of Lorraine: this collaboration prevents one-sided views and enriches the project through critical examination, mutual support and a constant exchange of ideas.