Monika Wogrolly-Domej
K r e a t i v i t ä t u n d Höhe a m B e i s p i e l d e s K u l t u r p r o j e k t es Dachstein:Cult u n d d e r G l ü c k s m e l d e s t e l l e a u f Klein Matterhorn Creativity and Altitude, Example of the Dachstein Cultural Project Dachstein:Cult and the Happiness Registry on the Klein Matterhorn
SUMMARY From the scientific point of view, a connection between creativity and altitude would at first seem to be a matter of speculation. A cultural project on the Dachstein glacier and an idea for a project on the Klein Matterhorn, however, allow the assumption of a connection between a longer stay at moderate altitude and an increase in creativity, imagination and productivity from the philosophical and psychotherapeutic points of view. The cultural project “DACHSTEIN:CULT – Europe’s highest-lying artists’ quarantine ward” has been in operation since 2004 at the upper terminal of the Dachstein aerial tramway. The participating artists have described their subjective experience as follows: Their sleep was restless and shallow the first few nights but in the course of their ten to sixteen days stay at 2700 m asl, their feeling of wellbeing and their artistic inspiration increased. Without exception, the artists noted better concentration and artistic productivity. Those who worked in the visual arts produced more pictures in less time than they would have at their accustomed altitude; writers could concentrate better and produced texts faster. Initial adaptive problems such as restless sleep, cough, dry mouth and fatigue were replaced by an increasing sense of security and alertness, more drive and optimism. All in all, hypoxia may brighten the artist’s mood, whereby the effect of positive group dynamics and the special situation of the Alpine setting should also be taken into account. The – as of yet – unrealized project for the world’s highest located happiness registry on the Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt should serve to round out thoughts as to the relationship between creativity and altitude. Keywords: Creativity, moderate altitude, hypoxia, artists’quarantine ward 37
