Artoteca Alto Adige
Artoteca Alto Adige is the first provincial library — and one of the very few in Italy — dedicated entirely to the lending of works of art.
The project rethinks traditional models for managing and promoting artistic heritage by involving the public in everyday cultural practices. What distinguishes Artoteca Alto Adige from other initiatives of this kind is its catalogue, which consists exclusively of original works by artists based in South Tyrol, with the aim of supporting local artists and their work. Artoteca functions as a true library of artworks: instead of borrowing books, the public can borrow paintings, sculptures and other types of artwork. It proposes a new way of relating to art — not just as masterpieces to admire, but as works to touch, experience and live with on the walls of your own home.
Founded in 2013 as a pilot project, Artoteca became an official service in 2017 within five participating public libraries of the Province of Bolzano (Biblioteca Endidae in Egna, Biblioteca Don Bosco in Laives, Biblioteca italiana di Ora, Biblioteca Terraferma in Bolzano and Biblioteca Provinciale Claudia Augusta in Bolzano), which offer the artwork lending service alongside their other library services. Through initiatives such as Artoteca Talk and Artoteca Lab, library users also have the opportunity to engage more closely with the artworks, artists and their techniques.
Local artists can apply to join the lending catalogue through an open annual selection process overseen by an artistic committee. In addition, every two years Artoteca incorporates new works selected through the Catalogo Aperto open call, promoted by the Italian Culture Office of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, dedicated to supporting visual artists active in South Tyrol.
Info
2013 – present
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Partners and supporters
Associazione degli Artisti di Bolzano
Ufficio Cultura Italiana della Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano
Biblioteca Endidae di Egna
Biblioteca Don Bosco di Laives
Biblioteca Italiana di Ora
Biblioteca provinciale italiana Claudia Augusta di Bolzano
Biblioteca Terraferma di Bolzano (ex Sandro Amadori)
Centro Multilingue di Bolzano
Centro Audiovisivi di Bolzano
Ufficio Educazione permanente Biblioteche e audiovisivi della Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano
