Events programme of the 2026 Summer Academy

Programme of events: July 20–August 29, 2026

Common Ground
The Summer Academy sees itself as a place of Common Ground and solidarity—the antithesis of the conflicts in the world. These qualities are achieved through a consciously shaped collective culture in both artistic practice and personal encounters. In order to comply with this basic principle, we once again offer a wide range of opportunities for reflection, discussion and exchange of ideas at various locations within the town. 

A highlight of this year’s programme is the panel discussion entitled Art in Times of War and Conflict. We have invited artists Eythar Gubara, Neda Saeedi and Huda Takriti, and art historian Noit Banai to take part. Co-designed and presented by Louisa Elderton.

In collaboration with the Salzburg Kunstverein, four lecture performances will be given by Harun Morrison, Filipka Rutkowska, Urok Shirhan and Gernot Wieland, dealing with the topics of love, class, money and identity.

In a further lecture performance, in collaboration with the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art, Stephie Morawetz and Iris Hummer will trace the history of Austrian jewellery art.

The sound performance Sleep / Health by Salzburger Heinz Riegler, who lives in Australia, will have its Salzburg première: an ensemble exploring dreamlike states, quiescence, sleep, and the fragile need to feel better.

Finally, Greg Fox, with the assistance of Curtis Talwst Santiago, will give a sound performance in the Stadtgalerie Zwergelgarten, activating the exhibition there. 

Exhibitions
In Two Things Can Be True in Light, in the Stadtgalerie Zwergelgarten, Curtis Talwst Santiago transforms the pavilion into a non‑denominational chapel of music and dance culture. In Under Other Suns, in the kura-t kunstraum traklhaus, Christian Kosmas Mayer and Pablo Martínez-Zárate demonstrate how plants can be living carriers of memory and history. Mafalda Rakoš is represented with a solo presentation in the Fotohof, entitled It’s Yours, it’s Mine, in which the portrait serves as the starting-point for conveying the subject's thoughts and feelings. 

Sunset Kino
The long-standing collaboration with the Salzburg Kunstverein continues with two film screenings: one each by Eythar Gubara and Peter Miller. 

Open studios
Teaching artists and their students invite visitors to tours, film presentations, performances and discussions—a special opportunity to visit the Fortress (July 31 / August 14 and 28) and the Untersberg quarry (August 8), and to experience the unique atmosphere of the course locations.

Music sets
On three Fridays, the Zwergelgartenpavilion will once again be the centre of contemporary club culture. Besides the internationally renowned DJs Chadee (Munich), Dj Sprudel (Amore AG, Vienna), Liser (Salzburg, London / Hanoi Community Radio) and MAF (Bruk Records, Berlin / Halfmoon BK, New York / Refuge Worldwide, Berlin), two spots have been advertised, in collaboration with the Salzburg Club Commission, in order to incorporate the local scene. 

General information: All events are open to the public and free to attend. Unless otherwise stated, they are held in English. Further information and details of venues and opening times can be found here. 

For further information: Simone Philipp, Communication & Assistant to the Director / presse@summeracademy.at, +43 (0) 662 842 113 14.