This Summer Academy has existed since 1953, originally founded by Oskar Kokoschka as the “School of Vision”. It was the first summer art academy on European soil and today trains around 300 course participants annually. Throughout the city, you will encounter artworks by teachers and students of the Summer Academy.
The goal of the Summer Academy has been to create an international place of encounter for people of different heritages, social backgrounds and ages. Oskar Kokoschka promised his students that he would not “train them to become painters, but rather open their eyes for what art is”. Whereas the lessons were originally focused on painting, over time courses were added in fields that included sculpture, graphic art, architecture, fashion, design, performance, set design and photography.
The courses, of which there are 21 different ones, are held either at Hohensalzburg Fortress or at the Kiefer Steinbruch in Fürstenbrunn. Though other temporary course locations are also available. Over 300 artists and students of art as well as interested laypersons from over 40 different countries take part in the Summer Academy every year. Instructors since 1953 have included such renowned names as Oskar Kokoschka, Kiki Kogelnik, Christian Ludwig Attersee, Valie Export, Robert Jungk, Hermann Nitsch, Günther Schneider-Siemsen, Clemens Holzmeister, Günther Domenig, Gustav Peichl and many more.
From 22 July to 31 August 2024, 19 courses will take place at Hohensalzburg Fortress and one course at the Fürstenbrunn quarry. The programme reflects current trends in contemporary art and revolves around making audible in 2024. Practices such as performance, music, radio and film will be used.
At the Open Studios, interested parties can immerse themselves in the extraordinary atmosphere of the various art laboratories with free admission. On offer are also tours, film presentations, performances and talks.
The renowned Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts is considered the oldest institution of its kind in Europe – an academy which focuses on art, regardless of previous education, age or gender. We asked director Sophie Goltz to talk about academy founder Oskar Kokoschka, the importance of art in history and the present, Salzburg and the special atmosphere in the "world's most beautiful art studio".
