Leoben's cultural icon Franz Valland died at the age of 71

Leoben's cultural icon Franz Valland died at the age of 71

Leoben, Österreich - June 25, 2025 is a sad mixed day for the city of Leoben. With the death of Franz Valland, a long -standing cultural councilor and honorary ring bearer, the city has lost one of its formative heads. Valland left us at the age of 71, but leaves a lasting legacy in the cultural and social landscape of Leoben. For more than two decades, he shaped the cultural life and set accents that radiate far beyond the city limits.

1993 Valland's political career began in the municipal council, and in December 2000 he took over the cultural department, which he led for over 15 years. During this time he was known for large exhibitions and diverse projects, which he planned with a special sense of interaction between tradition and innovation. Mayor Kurt Wallner praised Valland's work and emphasized how important his commitment to schools, culture and civil society was. His interest in creating cross -generational connections was very well received in Leoben.

a life for education and culture

Franz Valland's roots are in Proleb and Leoben. After training at the musical-educational Federal Real Gymnasium in Graz, he studied elementary school teaching, mathematics and technical work. His pedagogical career began in Eisenerz in 1975/76 before working in Leoben at various schools, most recently as director of the European secondary school Leoben-Donawitz until his retirement in 2017.

His political career was just as impressive. Valland joined the SPÖ in 1975 and was involved in the Beitendorf local party, where he worked as deputy chairman and later chairman. He was also active in the Leoben municipal council for over 22 years, including a time as chairman of the administrative committee of the Stadtwerke from 1996 to 2000.

awards and commitment

For his services, Valland was awarded the Viktor Adler Plaque and the city of Leoben's honor. He has also been volunteering at the Red Cross since 1982, where he became district office manager in 2009. He was also active in the cultural area, for example as an honorary member of the Oberstyrian Cultural Association and in the Leoben Musikverein.

The loss of Valland has not only hit his family and friends, but also everyone who benefited from his commitment. The municipal council of the city of Leoben will keep his memory in honor and remember the many contributions that he has done for Leoben.

Cultural future of the city

Leoben, with its approx. 24,000 inhabitants, is considered the cultural center of the region. The city offers a variety of cultural offers such as the city theater and the music and art school. But the challenges grow, in particular through digitization and changed cultural interests of the population. The focus on new formats and projects is becoming increasingly important in order to further strengthen Leoben as a cultural location.

A new concept for further cultural development contains measures to improve cultural infrastructure and public relations. This initiative will also include the influx of new employees in the city, for example by setting the AT&S production site.

in a cultural city like Leoben, which impresses with its traditions and innovations, the hope is that the legacy of personalities like Franz Valland will continue to be alive. The city needs lighthouse projects and new ways to cover and make the cultural interests of all its citizens visible. The discussion with stakeholders and the work in the core team will play an important role in creating a future -oriented concept. It remains exciting how the cultural landscape will develop here, and Valland's legacy will always remain anchored in the hearts of the Leoben.