eachnamematters 2024, Main Square Linz

#eachnamematters 2024

Projection of the names of the victims of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp system

in cooperation with Ars Electronica and the University of Arts Linz

For the fourth year running, on 3 and 4 May 2024 the Mauthausen Memorial presents the light and sound installation #eachnamematters in cooperation with Ars Electronica. During the installation, the names of the victims of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp system are projected onto a surface and read aloud. In this way, the installation calls attention to the 90,000 people killed there and who they were, and that behind this unimaginable number are the life stories of individuals from a whole range of backgrounds.

In previous years, #eachnamematters has taken place at the Mauthausen Memorial or at locations of the former Gusen concentration camp – in 2022 at the Memorial de Gusen in Langenstein, and in 2023 outside the ‘Bergkristall’ tunnel complex in St. Georgen. This year, the commemoration event is moving to an urban setting. The names will be projected onto Linz’s bridgehead buildings, which also date from the Nazi era. Members of the Mauthausen Memorial education team will be on hand to explain the project to observers. The University of Arts Linz, which is based in the bridgehead buildings and has long been engaged in a critical exploration of their history, has come on board as a new cooperation partner. The window frames, part of the installation Essay on Symmetry, have been made available by the university’s Institute of Art and Practice.

The project #eachnamematters also includes a social media campaign. On and around 5 May we invite everyone to share their memories, thoughts and impressions on the life stories of the victims via social media under the hashtag #eachnamematters. Find biographies in the digital ‘Room of Names’ at raumdernamen.mauthausen-memorial.org (enter a first and/or last name in the search box). Post your chosen biography under the hashtag #eachnamematters and feel free to add your own words and personal thoughts.

The projections of #eachnamematters on Linz Hauptplatz on 3 and 4 May will begin at 8:30pm and run until midnight.