The “Roithamer Salzmadonnenfest” will be celebrated in Roitham in 2024. It will trace the routes of salt transport and commemorate the importance of salt shipping, the heyday of the neighbouring villages and their loss of importance after the end of salt shipping. The invented “Traditionsfest” recalls the former importance of Roitham and the transformation of the town after the 600-year salt shipping industry came to an end.
The idea was triggered by the rafters’ Madonna at the Traun Falls, which (in retrospect – it was only erected at its current location in 1984) was supposed to give the salt boatmen divine assistance on their dangerous journey. Starting with the carving out of a salt stone from the Altaussee mine, the plan is to transport the block to Roitham, where the sculpture will be formed over several weeks of public work. The creation of the sculpture can be experienced by Roitham residents and guests. After installation, the Salt Madonna will dissolve again over time due to the effects of the weather.
Chipped salt stone chunks will be filled into glass jars and offered as Roitham Madonna Salt.
Art Your Village
This project deals with local identities, primarily within the smaller locations within the Salzkammergut region. International artists or artist groups engage with these locations and develop projects in the form of interventions over the course of the year.
More about the project at salzkammergut-2024.at
