What is the International Summer Academy?
The principal aim of the Salzburg Summer Academy of Fine Arts is a wide variety of artistic production. Every summer, concurrently with the Salzburg Festival, more than 350 students from almost 50 countries worldwide work in some 20 classes on art projects. The Academy is distinguished by the high repute of the teaching artists and the internationality of all participants.
In three locations – Hohensalzburg Fortress, Alte Saline [old salt factory] in Hallein and the Kiefer Quarry in Fürstenbrunn – we offer courses and workshops focusing on painting, drawing, graphic arts, sculpture, stone sculpture, video, photography, installation and performative art. In an intensive and inspirational working atmosphere, prominent international artists, positioned within current discourses and concerned with contemporary questions, offer instruction in both new and traditional techniques. The programme is marked by high productivity and vigorous discussion; the classes offer both individual conversation and group discussion, aiming at individual artistic development and creativity, as well as introducing innovative and experimental approaches to art production.
The Summer Academy is distinguished by its openness towards all art-lovers, irrespective of nationality, age, gender or cultural background, so that anyone – amateur, student or professional – may apply to join a class, the teacher deciding on whom to accept. The Summer Academy is a laboratory for art production, presentation and reflection in a intensive and inspirational atmosphere. Besides individual production, it enables and promotes a professional artistic, theoretical and creative exchange of ideas amongst all participants, students and teachers alike. It also offers a comprehensive programme of accompanying events, including artists' presentations, discussions and lectures on topical questions in the art world. Each class ends with a public presentation, which is always well attended.
The Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts, founded by Oskar Kokoschka in 1953, is the oldest institution of its kind in Europe.