Bundesministerium Wohnen, Kunst, Kultur, Medien und Sport

Housing

Creating affordable and sufficient housing is one of the government's core tasks. Affordable and fair prices for rents and property purchases are of central importance for both individuals and businesses in Austria.

As a cross-cutting issue, housing policy is the responsibility of the ministry, which is tasked with coordinating housing matters at the national, European, and international levels, as well as strategic construction coordination and the consolidation of the diverse legal matters in this area. As the central coordinating body for construction, we develop support programs and pilot projects. Energy-efficient construction and renovation are also important aspects of strategic regional development.

Art and culture

Art and culture in all their traditional, innovative, tangible, and intangible forms are highly valued in Austria. Austria's reputation as a cultural nation is based on world-famous works by important artists in the fields of music, painting, literature, and architecture, and continues in a young, creative environment through contemporary art, theater, film, and design. An open concept of art and culture promotes understanding and experience of the world and respect for others.

The task of Austrian art and culture policy is to create suitable conditions for a vibrant cultural life. This includes, among other things, promoting contemporary art, preserving cultural wealth, and communicating cultural heritage. The Arts and Culture Section is responsible for implementing arts and culture policy at the federal level.

Media

Free and independent media are a cornerstone of democracy. Promoting Austria as a media location and preserving media diversity is a central task of politics. This includes targeted support strategies for private media as well as safeguarding public broadcasting.

In addition, media policy must ensure that dynamic media change is an opportunity and not a threat. The digital transformation, the development of international media giants, and the challenges of new media forms must be overcome. Fulfilling this responsibility at the federal level is the responsibility of the media department, which is part of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Media, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

Sport

Sport is an essential part of life for Austrians. It inspires millions of people in this country every day. In order to establish Austria as a sporting nation, it is important to create the necessary framework conditions and thus ensure the necessary financial and organizational support. While constitutional powers lie with the federal states, the federal government primarily assumes a promotional role in the field of sport. The task of the Sports Section is to promote the social, societal, and health policy functions of sports, sports clubs, and sports associations.

Telecommunications and Postal Services

Providing the Austrian population and economy with comprehensive coverage of innovative digital communications infrastructure and high-quality postal services is an essential prerequisite for strengthening Austria as a business location and for the social participation of all population groups.

The Ministry's responsibility as the telecommunications authority and supreme postal authority is to develop the foundations of telecommunications and postal policy both internationally and nationally and to implement these in legislation. The aim is to create the best possible framework conditions for companies and consumers in the areas of telecommunications and postal services. One focus of telecommunications policy is the promotion of the establishment of high-performance infrastructure.

The specific tasks are regulated in the Federal Ministries Act. This was amended on March 18, 2025, and came into force on April 1, 2025.