A security psychology initiative: black helicopter shadows deployed in critical spots around the city. Informed by statistical data about subjective feelings of security polled in public spaces, twenty-three urban security-policy interventions were planned to be implemented: symbol-policy markings according to “ÖNORM EN 1436” and psychogeographic interventions into everyday urban environments as trust building measures relating to the question: Do you feel secure? From the Viktor Adler Street Market to Sigmund Freud Park, from Yppenplatz square to Praterstern circus. Viewed from space, the life-size simulated shadows were supposed to imprint a pattern on the cityscape. Konrad Becker about the phantasms of collective perception and the awareness-building media technologies of the new security culture: “In information and risk societies, the art and cultural industries become formative elements of a new economy of security.”

Contrary to the original plan, the twenty-three urban interventions could not be implemented in the public realm in Vienna. One life-size helicopter shadow, however, was installed in the courtyard of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts.

May 29, 2008, The New Security Culture
project space karlsplatz der Kunsthalle Wien, Treitlstraße 2, 1040 Vienna
Sonja Eismann discussed issues of symbol-policy strategies in the context of art and the development of a concept of cultural security practice with Brian Holmes (US), Eva Horn (DE), Konrad Becker, and Michael Zinganel.

May 3, 2008, Global Security Screening and Global Security Alliance, Peace Concert
FLUC-Wanne, Praterstern, 1020 Vienna
PsyOps SoundSystem with Z’EV Featuring: Tronstoner and ennoson
Global Security Entertainment with Plak, Mess.u, kopfnikaragua, assimilatah