5th International Woodcarving Symposium "Art on the Chestnut Trail"

Faces of history

Open Call for the 5th International Wood Sculpture Symposium “Kunst am Keschtnweg” May 14th - 19th, 2024 in Villanders/South Tyrol

The Tourist Association Klausen, Barbian, Feldthurns and Villanders invites sculptors from all over the world to take part in the sculpture symposium “Art on the Keschtnweg”, which is taking place this year in the small village of Villanders.

The theme of this year's symposium is "Faces of History." The title should not be taken literally. The artists can apply with any designs that, for example, represent the life, culture or customs of our ancestors.
Villanders has been a place where people have settled and lived culture for thousands of years. The archaeological excavations of the early historical cult site with the valuable prove the importance of the village. At this year's symposium, the eight sculptors will each be provided with a chestnut trunk that is 2m high and around 60cm in diameter and will create sculptures on the theme of history over the four days. In doing so, they bring us closer to the culture and thinking of people from different eras.

The artists have access to robust chestnut wood as a material. The sweet chestnut characterizes the cultural landscape in this region of the Eisacktal Valley. The sculptures created during the symposium become the property of the organizer and will be placed along the chestnut trail, which connects the communities of Feldthurns via Klausen, Villanders and Barbian. This creates an open-air studio that can be explored by hikers and invites them to experience art. Thus, art becomes approachable and tangible.

Each participant receives a fee of €600. Free board and lodging as well as a flat-rate travel allowance of a maximum of €200 will be reimbursed.

The work takes place outdoors within the Archeoparc in the center of Villanders. On Sunday morning there will be a Finissage with musical entertainment and drinks where the works of art will be presented and the winners will be chosen (Prize money: €300 / €200 / €100).

The registration deadline is February 29th, 2024. Interested artists can find further information and the necessary application documents under “Application” and “Conditions of Participation” and can contact the following contacts:

Artistic Director (contact person for artists): Simon Rauter

+39 3407833071 simon.rauter@gmail.com

Tourist Association Klausen, Barbian, Feldthurns and Villanders +39 0472 847 424
info@klausen.it

Further information: www.klausen.it/symposium