KulturForscher!-Preis

The “HEIMAT” project by Rodeneck Elementary School, in collaboration with the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association and the Association for the Preservation of Local Heritage, wins a German education award.

There was great joy at the Mühlbach school district upon receiving the news that the educational project “HEIMAT” by Rodeneck Elementary School had been awarded the inaugural KulturForscher! Prize. The ceremonial award presentation recently took place at Tower 185 in Frankfurt am Main, hosted by the PwC Foundation, which awards the prize together with the University of Marburg for outstanding cultural education projects.

The prize, endowed with €4,000, was accepted by Monika Leitner, principal of the Mühlbach school district, together with teachers and students, as well as Alexander Zoeggeler, president of the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association, Lisa Trockner, managing director, and the artist Karolina Gacke. Also in attendance were Claudia Plaikner, chair of the Association for the Preservation of Local Heritage, and staff member Evi Brigl.

The keynote speakers at the award ceremony included Lutz Roschker, board member of the PwC Foundation; Christian Kammler, head of the Kubis research center at the University of Marburg; Rachel Altmann; Evelyn Korn, Vice President for University Culture and Quality Development; and Marcus Kauer, representing the Hessian Ministry of Education. In the laudation, the jury highlighted the project’s innovative design and the exemplary collaboration between the school, the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association, and the Association for the Preservation of Local Heritage, emphasizing the diverse opportunities for student participation.

The two-year HEIMAT project (2023–2025) impressed the jury with its creative approach to the concept of “Heimat” (home or sense of belonging) in a culturally diverse region such as South Tyrol.

Under the guidance of artist Karolina Gacke, the students of Rodeneck Elementary School created, over the course of two years, a growing artwork in the school cafeteria: a permanent installation made of ceramic shards, house-shaped outlines, and small school materials – an artistic exploration of what “Heimat” (home or sense of belonging) means to children today. The project was supported by the Raiffeisenkasse Eisacktal and the municipality of Rodeneck.

The PwC Foundation recognized the project as an “outstanding example of successful cultural education in a school context.” “This award means a great deal to us – it shows that cultural education can have a significant impact even in small schools,” said Monika Leitner, principal of the school district. Alexander Zoeggeler of the South Tyrolean Artists’ Association emphasized that “the HEIMAT project has brought together children, artists, and village residents, and it has a lasting impact: each new school year, a new class can continue the work.”