base Graz
Create the world you wish to live in.
Our Vision
We work to create happier, healthier communities by integrating culture, education and well-being. In order to create thriving communities and find solutions to community issues, we use a holistic approach that focuses on long-term sustainability.
Debbie Adams is the driving force behind the vision. She grew up in New Zealand and was heavily influenced by the Maori way of living and the importance of community and sharing. Our vision is to create a better world, where the wellbeing of people and the planet are at the forefront. Achieving this requires a multi-layered holistic approach, that also incorporates financial sustainability and ethics.
Culture, Education and Wellbeing
Our approach to happier, healthier communities involves focusing on and integrating culture, education and wellbeing, all of which are intertwined, creating a holistic and sustainable approach.
Culture
We support culture by holding exhibitions, having concerts, offering various workshops and creating community art projects, like teaming up with Micro Galleries to create community street art in parts of the Grieß area that needed some love. We also hold cooking workshops and international gourmet supper clubs. Our base Graz team is comprised of international people from all over the world who bring a great deal of talent to the Gries district. We are passionate about sharing culture and diversity which helps to make the world a more loving and tolerant place.
Education
Education is a fundamental part of a thriving community and we developed our Love2Learn program with that in mind. Currently we offer Love2Learn programs for kids, teens and the whole family. Our classes aren’t just about learning a language, but incorporate culture, practical experience and immersion to give students a well rounded education. There is even a breakfast club for business-minded people who want to come together to practice English and discuss ethical business practices.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing has been at the core of base Graz values since the very beginning and is a key factor influencing community health. We have members on our team who are certified in Reiki, yoga instruction, sound therapy and pastoral counseling. We hold wellbeing workshops and also do activities such as gardening, which is known to help depression and act as a meditation in itself, not to mention teaches people about self-sustainability.
Core Values
This list of core values reflects what is truly important to us. These are not values that change according to time, situation or person, but are rather the vital underpinning of the culture of our foundation.
Core values come under the governance of AROHA, which in it’s simplest form means love in Maori. We consider it of the utmost importance that these values are upheld and maintained.
By maintaining these core values, regardless of how large base grows, the purity of the vision behind base Graz will be preserved.
A
R
O
H
A
ACTION
RESPECT
OWNERSHIP
HOPE
AFFINITY & ACCEPTANCE
Testimonials
Bernadette Schett
” I discovered the Base Verein through an artist friend of mine. Personally – I instantly loved the interior design of the place, the Seddwell Center ( since I’m very passionate about design ), but even more so – I was genuinly surprised, what a lovely energy I found amongst the people who gather there. I loved the ” artists in residence” feeling about the workshops, the upcycling projects, the garden project & space- and the lunch meetings. To me- these lunchtime get togethers have very much become a jour fixè in my week- as it is the one time in the week I can meet like-minded artists, creatives and benevolent friends who all speak the language and humor I miss – after living 20 years in London. I really LOVE the fact I have found a place where I can express myself as I did for most of my adult life- and take part in community projects that are both – of creative and social nature. “
Susmita Paul
” Seddwell Center is a haven for creative spirits from across the globe who have eventually found home in Graz. For a creative recluse like me, Seddwell Center has become home to exchanging invaluable ideas with Debbie Adams and all the talented individuals who I have come to meet here. It is a nurturing zone where one’s potential is not strained by unhealthy competitiveness. In fact, the exchanges invariably lead to enhancement of one’s own ideas.
Tamzin Merivale
” I first moved to Graz in September 2020, and within weeks, I had found a home at base Verein. Debbie welcomed me into the fold and I have been grateful for that every day since. Moving to a new country is never an easy thing to do, and many people will tell you that it can take at least 2 years to feel at home in a new place or to feel as though you have established a community or friendships. Thanks to base Verein, I very quickly had a network in Graz. If I was in crisis, I had somewhere to go and someone to reach out to. The support base Verein provides covers all bases – a network of wonderful people to collaborate and interact with from all over the world; knowledge and guidance about life in Graz for those of us new to life in Austria and often needing a little help finding our feet; fun and educational events; and a shared mission to make our community and the world at large and happier and healthier place for all. Moving to Austria would have been a very different experience if it wasn’t for base Verein. They made Graz into my home rather than just the place I live, and the only reason I want to stay in Graz for longer is because of this wonderful community. “
Rachel Fox
” The Seddwell Center is my home-from-home, a place I instantly feel welcomed and can connect with other English speaking people. The base Verein is a wonderful mix of nationalities from all the world and I have learnt so much from other cultures and different perspectives. We all support each other with the process of integrating in Graz, which is often not easy. Having Austrians in the Verein too is so valuable to get a local’s perspective. If I’m ever dealing with a difficult situation Debbie is always on hand to listen or offer advice. It’s a great feeling to be part of a community where I can contribute and feel valued. As it’s not easy to find your place as a new-comer in Graz. Debbie has a great heart and does so much to support the local community. She allows me to use center at no charge to host my Frauenservice FemmesTisch discussion groups which bring migrant women together. Plus my ÖGK information sessions explaining the Austrian healthcare system also for migrant women. As it’s important to have a place where women can feel safe and comfortable to share their personal experiences. They all comment on how relaxed they feel at the Seddwell Center! The base Verein’s cultural activities also allow me to express my creativity with all their workshops and I’m always learning something new. Being in a new country and not speaking the language fluently can be really hard and sometimes very lonely. Being part of the base Verein community has really helped my mental health and given me a purpose in Graz. I would be lost without it! “