Cultural Space South Tyrol-Salzburg

From 26 to 30 May 2026, the Waltherhaus in Bolzano hosts the third edition of „kultur.raum Südtirol-Österreich", an initiative by the Südtiroler Kulturinstitut aimed at strengthening cultural ties between South Tyrol and the German-speaking world. After Vorarlberg and Tyrol, this year's guest region is the federal state of Salzburg. The programme was developed jointly by cultural practitioners from both regions and includes talks, workshops, concerts, readings and other formats.

The backdrop to the week is the photography exhibition „Lebensräume im Wandel – Salzburg/Südtirol" by Salzburg-based photographer Kurt Kaindl, on display in the upper foyer of the Waltherhaus from 13 to 30 May.

The programme covers a wide range of themes. On the musical and cultural-historical side, a lecture co-organised by VHS South Tyrol and VHS Salzburg traces Mozart's journeys through South Tyrol and their significance for his artistic development; the week closes with a concert by the youth symphony orchestra „Matteo Goffriller" featuring works by Mozart and Mussorgsky, framed by a discussion on competition and artistic growth among young musicians.

Reading promotion and education are the focus of a practical seminar for teachers and librarians, organised by Jukibuz together with the Young Literature House Salzburg. The intersection of culture and tourism is explored in a keynote talk by the Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige, drawing on the experience of Saalfelden Leogang to show how contemporary cultural formats can enhance a destination's appeal. The Architekturstiftung Südtirol presents the work of Salzburg architects Maria Flöckner and Hermann Schnöll.

Questions of identity, belonging and the notion of Heimat between politics and tourism pressure are at the heart of a museum professionals' meeting bringing together voices from South Tyrol and Austria. Alongside it, a workshop on cultural engagement for young people is offered by youth work practitioners. A literary evening brings together authors from both regions for readings and conversation. The film evening, organised by Filmclub Bolzano in partnership with Salzburg's DAS KINO, screens „Vier minus drei" by director Adrian Goiginger, followed by a discussion.

All events take place at the Waltherhaus in Bolzano, with the exception of the film screening at Filmclub Bolzano. Admission is free for most events; tickets are required for the closing concert. Further information and registration at www.kulturinstitut.org.

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