soul sweating i art in public space funding programme 2026

‘Sweating of the soul’ means: strong feelings such as anger, fear or hope. We experience these feelings alone and together. This raises important questions. Who feels these strong emotions – and why? Where do anger, fear or confidence arise? What remains when the feeling disappears? And how can we as a society come closer together again by feeling together?

In 2026, art in public space in Tyrol invites artists to explore this topic. They can work with various forms, such as outdoor art events, sculptures, sound or performances. The art should take place in public spaces.

Since 2008, the funding programme Art in Public Space has been implemented in cooperation between the State of Tyrol and the Künstler*innen Vereinigung Tirol (Tyrolean Artists’ Association), and financed by the State of Tyrol. For the year 2026, it is being announced for the sixth time under a thematic focus defined by the Künstler*innen Vereinigung Tirol; a focus aimed at bracketing content during the writing of concepts and implementation of the chosen projects. The funding programme aims to promote contemporary art and cultural projects in public space, so making the discussion of current social issues accessible to a broad public and initiating dialogue on cultural, social and political topics. The intention of Art in Public Space is to trigger discussions and play an integral role in the development of fresh perspectives.

In this context, there are no limits to the conceivable artistic formats: funding may be granted for permanent sculptural art projects, temporary interventions as well as participatory, performative and dialogical formats in public rural and urban spaces. Special attention will be paid to project submissions that are site-specific and employ inherently communicative formats, as well as sustainability in their implementation. To reach an audience that is as diverse as possible, the projects should represent a synergy between artistic practice and everyday culture. In this spirit, the projected venues may be as diverse as the projects themselves, offering opportunities to make art experienceable beyond the boundaries of cultural institutions.