World Salon

The Salzkammergut is a cultural area shaped by history and migration. The salt deposits and their extraction dominate the economic sector of the region and have generated labour-related migration movements over the centuries. In the 16th century, for example, there was forced resettlement of followers of the Reformation doctrine. In the 19th century, under Emperor Franz Joseph and due to the breathtaking nature, a lively summer resort was established, which led to an early tourist infrastructure and attracted artists from all over Europe. In the 1930s, under the rule of the National Socialists, Jews and resistance fighters were forced to leave the region and the country or were expelled. At the same time, numerous “emigrants” from South Tyrol came to the region during this time as part of the so-called “Salzkammergut Option”. These are just a few stories that tell of migration in the Salzkammergut. To this day, this prosperous region is a centre of attraction for people from many different countries who are looking for work in tourism, trade or care. This wealth of communities is also visible in the numerous catering establishments, which offer a welcome addition to the regional culinary offerings. The Welt-Salon takes up the idea of the historical salon concept as a social meeting place between the public and private spheres, as a place of exchange on topics such as politics, culture and economics. The aim is to learn from each other and to develop a mutual understanding for living together in our society. Several modules are planned in different cities with a focus on young audiences.