Traineeship at Taxispalais Kunsthalle Tirol

Her traineeship became a part of the institution’s public programme for the exhibition "Bindung & Communion", the second chapter of "The Daughters’ Trilogy". During her time at Taxispalais Kunsthalle Tirol, Tamara contributed to the public programme through somatic exhibition tours, a Ukrainian-language guided tour, and a dance workshop for teenagers.

/
Who are you? What was your practice like before joining FOCUS INTERNATIONAL Ukraine program?

My name is Tamara Maksymenko, I am a contemporary dancer and choreographer working at the intersection of movement, embodiment, and social themes. Before joining the FOCUS INTERNATIONAL Ukraine program, my artistic practice centered on creating performances and workshops exploring different social and political aspects in connection through the body. I had experience both in stage productions and in participatory formats with different communities, often blending improvisation, somatic approaches, and conceptual research. Coming from a background in contemporary dance and movement-based performance, this was my first in-depth experience working within a contemporary art gallery setting. The opportunity offered a unique intersection between my own artistic practice and the curatorial and public engagement work of a visual arts institution.

/
What are your main responsibilities at Taxispalais Kunsthalle?

At Taxispalais Kunsthalle Tirol, my main responsibilities included developing and leading public programs related to the exhibition "Bindung & Communion" (Chapter II of "The Daughters’ Trilogy"). This involved designing and conducting somatic exhibition tours, a Ukrainian-language guided tour, and a dance workshop for teenagers. I also assisted with exhibition mediation, participated in research discussions with the curatorial team, and contributed creative ideas for audience engagement.

/
How could you contribute with your knowledge and skills to the institution itself?

I contributed by bringing an embodied, movement-based approach to art mediation—transforming exhibition themes into physical experiences for visitors. My background in dance allowed me to design programs that expanded the audience’s engagement beyond visual observation, fostering a deeper sensory and emotional connection with the artworks. I also provided cultural and linguistic access for Ukrainian-speaking audiences, helping broaden the institution’s inclusivity.

/
What are you taking with you from the traineeship?

This traineeship gave me valuable insight into curatorial processes, exhibition preparation, and the creation of public programs within a contemporary art institution. I take with me new tools for translating visual art into embodied experience, a richer understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strengthened sense of how my practice can engage diverse audiences. Most importantly, I leave inspired to continue merging dance and visual art contexts in future projects.

Tamara’s experience is one example of how professional exchange can create new connections between Ukrainian cultural practitioners and Austrian institutions, while also bringing new perspectives and forms of knowledge into the host institution.

/
Stay tuned for more interviews with participants of the FOCUS INTERNATIONAL Ukraine Program!