Under the theme ‘Reclaim the Streets’, the urbanize! 2026 festival focuses on the street as a public urban space. Artist, activist and urban researcher Tomash Schoiswohl is also inviting people out onto the streets – specifically to Matzleinsdorfer Platz, where he will be organising a festive demonstration together with colleagues and fellow campaigners. On the pavement, on traffic islands, on zebra crossings and in car parks, there will be performances, games, stalls, musical instruments and plum compote. Everyone is invited – in fancy dress if they like – to mingle with clowns, performers, activists and puppeteers, before joining together at the end to march across the square in a parade.

For over 20 years, Tomash Schoiswohl has been engaging with Matzleinsdorfer Platz – a space often associated with negative connotations – through his artistic practice in public spaces. He has initiated actions and discussions on the traffic island, concerts and exhibitions in the former fireworks hut, as well as film shoots and film evenings. This has given rise to visions for a more democratic transport hub featuring social and cultural facilities, alongside green and autonomous open spaces. Against the backdrop of the current underground expansion and the associated structural changes, ‘MATZ ÜBER’ advocates for such a radically different, visionary transport hub – one that goes beyond car traffic, consumerism and gentrification.