Ert X Merit Ladin

The Südtiroler Künstlerbund, in cooperation with the Directorate for Ladin Education and Culture, is launching the art competition “Ert X Merit Ladin” for the second time. The aim of the competition is to select an artwork that will be awarded as a recognition prize on the occasion of the Merit Ladin ceremony—an honor conferred by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano for outstanding achievements in the field of Ladin language and culture.

“With this special recognition, the Merit Ladin honors outstanding individuals whose life’s work has made a significant contribution to the lasting strengthening of Ladin identity—whether in science, education, or the arts—and whose impact extends beyond the Ladin-speaking community,” emphasizes Daniel Alfreider, Provincial Councillor for Ladin Education and Culture.

“Following the great success and strong participation of last year, the prize, together with the art competition, aims once again to send an important signal,” says André Comploi, Director for Ladin Education and Culture. “It not only recognizes exemplary commitment, but also promotes artistic engagement and strengthens cultural ties. I would like to thank the Südtiroler Künstlerbund for implementing this valuable initiative in collaboration with Ladin art organizations.”

“For us, it is both a great recognition and an enrichment that artists contribute to shaping the Merit Ladin,” explains Alexander Zoeggeler, President of the Südtiroler Künstlerbund. “The connection between artistic expression and cultural recognition gives the award a particular significance and enhances its visibility.”

Professional Ladin artists are invited to participate, provided they can demonstrate continuous artistic activity and/or appropriate education. The competition is open to all disciplines of the visual arts and has no age restrictions.

Each applicant may submit up to three proposals by May 7, 2026: existing works or, new this year, concepts for works yet to be realized. Preference will be given to works of manageable size, suitable for a formal personal presentation to the award recipient. No thematic restrictions are imposed: the artwork should express a tribute, a vision, or a sign of recognition, symbolically representing the value and celebration of a life’s work. A connection to Ladin culture is welcome.

An expert jury—composed of Museum Ladin Director Katharina Moling, La Vëta President Aron Demetz, EPL – Ert por i Ladins President Iaco Rigo, Südtiroler Künstlerbund board member Raimund Gross, and artist Wil-ma Kammerer—will select the winning work. The selected artwork will be presented during the Merit Ladin award ceremony at the Di dla Cultura Ladina on September 19, 2026.

The selected work will be awarded a prize of €7,000, financed by the Südtiroler Künstlerbund with support from the Directorate for Ladin Education and Culture.