Museion
Museion is the museum for modern and contemporary art in Bolzano. At our core, we are committed to fostering international art, culture and innovation in South Tyrol.
Name of the practice nominated: Art Club
Describe the practice, program, or project, what innovative approach is proposed, and in which core museum activities it applies: conservation, education, collection, exhibition programs, publications, research, accessibility, communication, governance, and sustainability.
Museion Art Club is organised by the Museion Art Club Forum and aims to support the development of urban culture in South Tyrol. Museion Art Club is both an incubator and an amplifier that enables fundamental and independent exchange between Museion and the actors of urban change, by providing space, visibility and networking.
Explain in one sentence why you think the project you nominate is outstanding and could serve as an example for the entire community of modern and contemporary art museums.
Museion Art Club focuses not only on programming, but also on creating a vision of unity in a fragmented landscape of young cultural producers in the territory, providing space, visibility and networking within creatives but also working as a bridge with local companies and innovation sector.
Explain why this practice or program is relevant and sustainable in creating meaningful and lasting connections with people, communities, and the museum context with a medium to long-term vision.
Museion Art Club takes a holistic approach to cultural engagement by building long-term relationships that go beyond individual events. It supports emerging creative talents in the region, fostering collaboration and mutual support in a landscape that often lacks cohesion.
What are the outcomes of the practice you are most proud of?
One of the outcomes we are most proud of is the strong sense of community that has emerged around Museion Art Club. The program has created lasting relationships among young cultural practitioners, many of whom continue to collaborate well beyond their time at the museum. These connections extend into the wider local context, fostering ongoing exchange between artists, curators, and professionals from other sectors. We’ve seen former participants launch their own initiatives, co-produce exhibitions, and build networks that remain active across cities and disciplines. This ripple effect reflects the deeper impact of the program: it not only supports individual growth but also contributes to a more connected and resilient cultural ecosystem.
How has the nominated practice changed your methods and ways of working?
The Museion Art Club has significantly broadened our team’s perspective and ways of working. Engaging closely with young cultural practitioners challenged us to rethink traditional institutional roles and adopt more collaborative, flexible approaches. The practice shifted our focus from being solely a presenter of content to becoming a facilitator of exchange, dialogue, and co-creation. This shift has opened up new modes of working that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of our community. It also expanded our partnerships beyond the cultural sector, bringing us into dialogue with local businesses, educational institutions, and actors in the field of social innovation. As a result, Museion is increasingly recognized not just as a museum, but as a hub for experimentation and cross-sector collaboration, where culture becomes a driver for social connection, innovation, and long-term territorial development. This transformation continues to shape our institutional identity and strategic direction.