ART COMPETITION “Ert X Merit Ladin” 2025

For the first time, the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association, in cooperation with the Directorate for Ladin Education and Culture, is announcing the art competition “Ert X Merit Ladin”. The aim of the competition is to create an artwork to be awarded as a recognition prize on the occasion of the “Merit Ladin” – a distinction of the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol honoring outstanding achievements in the field of the Ladin language and culture.

“This special gesture honors outstanding personalities whose life’s work has contributed to the sustainable strengthening of Ladin identity – whether in science, education, or art – and whose impact resonates beyond the Ladin language community,” says Daniel Alfreider, Provincial Councillor for Ladin Schools and Culture.

“The prize and the associated competition are intended not only to acknowledge exemplary commitment, but also to promote artistic engagement and to set a living sign of cultural connectedness. I am grateful to the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association for carrying out this valuable initiative in collaboration with Ladin art organizations,” emphasizes André Comploi, Director of Education and Culture.

“It is both an appreciation and an enrichment that artists contribute to shaping the ‘Merit Ladin’. The connection between artistic expression and cultural recognition lends the award particular depth and additional visibility,” explains Alexander Zoeggeler, President of the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association.

The competition is open to professional Ladin artists who can demonstrate continuous artistic activity and/or relevant training. All forms of visual art are eligible, with no age restriction.

Each applicant may submit up to three existing works by September 6, 2025. Preference will be given to portable works suitable for a formal, personal handover to the honored individual. No thematic guidelines are imposed. The work should, through its expressive power, embody homage, vision, or recognition, and symbolically represent the value and appreciation of a life’s work. A thematic link to Ladin culture is welcome.

A professional jury – consisting of representatives from Museum Ladin (Director Katharina Moling), La Vëta (President Aron Demetz), EPL – Ert por i Ladins (President Iaco Rigo), and the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association (President Alexander Zoeggeler and Vice President Eva Gratl) – will select one work. The selected work will be announced on September 12, 2025, and presented as part of the award ceremony for the “Merit Ladin” during the “Di dla Cultura Ladina” on September 21, 2025.

The winning work will be awarded a prize of €7,000 gross, financed by the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association with support from the Directorate for Ladin Education and Culture of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.