Symposium 2024
Marble Symposium South Tyrol “Vinschgau kristallin”: Where Art Meets Culture in the Heart of Vinschgau
The International Marble Symposium “Vinschgau kristallin” brought artists from around the world to South Tyrol from July 13 to August 4, 2024. Under the theme “Vinschgau Unites,” the symposium brought together people, cultures, and creative ideas in the historic marble villages of Schlanders and Laas.
In this inaugural edition, participating artists created impressive sculptures and interdisciplinary works of art, now displayed in public spaces across Vinschgau. The innovative sound and video projects, which explored the history and present of Vinschgau, attracted a large number of visitors. The symposium not only provided a space for artistic expression but also gave international participants the opportunity to deeply engage with the people, landscapes, and culture of the region.
The “Vinschgau kristallin” Marble Symposium serves as a platform that connects art, tradition, and innovation. The world-renowned Laas and Göflan marble, known as the “white gold,” formed the central element of the artistic works and symbolizes the union of nature and culture. The international participants became ambassadors for the crystalline marble and the region, sharing their experiences and impressions with the world.
An event of this scale would not have been possible without the support of numerous partners. Sponsors, supporters, and the local community played a significant role in the success of this first edition. Their commitment demonstrated the strength of unity in Vinschgau and the importance of working together towards a common goal. Thanks to their support, materials were provided, costs covered, and the symposium’s realization was made possible. A heartfelt thanks to all!
We look forward to welcoming you to the next International Marble Symposium “Vinschgau kristallin,” which will take place in 2026.
Interested artists are encouraged to apply by sending their inquiries to info@vinschgau-kristallin.com.
International Marble Symposium South Tyrol/Italy 2024
Participating artists
Artists from all over the world were invited in an international competition. Between sculptors and skaters, a total of 58 applications were received from artists from 21 countries and 4 continents.
The following 8 artists were selected from the applications:
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- Martin Böttcher & Corinna Zuercher – Country of origin: Germany- skater
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- Elias Nunner & Johannes Kroeker – Country of origin: Germany – skater
Vinschgau is the name of a mountain valley in South Tyrol, the northernmost province of Italy in the Alps, bordering on North Tyrol (Austria) and Switzerland (Grisons). In the summer of 2024 (as well as 2026), the communities of Laas and Schlanders will host an international, interdisciplinary sculpture project lasting three weeks entitled “Vinschgau crystalline”.
The special and unifying feature of these places is their world-famous marble. It is quarried underground in two quarries at an altitude of 1,570 m and 2,200 m in the Stilfser Joch National Park. This unique marble is characterised by its fine, crystalline texture and resistance. The first works made from the marble in this region date back to Roman times. The first industrial quarrying began as early as the 19th century.
Impressions of the underground marble quarry (3:11 min)
Where:
Municipalities of Laas and Schlanders (BZ), South Tyrol, Italy. The autonomous province of South Tyrol is the northernmost province of Italy. It borders North and East Tyrol and to a small extent Salzburg (Austria) to the north and east, and the canton of Grisons (Switzerland) to the west. Vinschgau belongs to the German language and culture area. The provincial capital is Bozen.
Municipality Schlanders
Municipality Laas
Organiser:
The municipalities of Laas (BZ) and Schlanders (BZ)
Date:
13 July to 4 August 2024
Curators:
TOBEL, Mary Zischg and Ernst-Ludwig Kolt
Contact Project Manager:
Karin Meister info@vinschgau-kristallin.com
Project managers:
Sponsors
