Unika Art Fair

For four days in September, Ortisei becomes an art centre: That’s when the traditional Val Gardena Art Fair takes place

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Every year in September, the vernissage officially inaugurates the Val Gardena Art Fair.
© Unika Kunstmesse / Matthäus Kostner
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In one of the four days, “UNIKA’s LONG Night” invites to discover art till 11.30 pm.
© Unika Kunstmesse / Matthäus Kostner
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One of the artworks is called “Between friendship and conflict” by the artist Egon Digon.
© Unika Kunstmesse / Egon Digon
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Another work: “After the shower” made of limewood by the sculptor Stefan Perathoner.
© Unika Kunstmesse / Stefan Perathoner

It was in 1994, that the foundation stone was laid in the Val Gardena valley, known for its unique woodcarving, for a platform for sculpture, painting and photography by local and regional artists: It was called Unika and now organises the Unika Art Fair with "UNIKA's LONG Night" every year. In the meantime, well over 100 artists have presented here their work to a broad public, including Aron Demetz, Wilhelm Senoner, Peter Demetz and Gregor Prugger.

At the Tennis Centre in Roncadizza, a district of Ortisei, the current 45 Unika members - including sculptors, painters, photographers and woodturners - show hundreds of works as part of the art fair. In 2020 the first female member joined, and in 2024 Unika celebrates its 30-year anniversary. Unika reflects the continuous commitment to preserving and promoting the excellence of artistic craftsmanship, and at the same time it supports young talents: Every year, there are some young artits who can introduce themselves here for the first time.