Origen awarded the Wakker Prize
The Graubünden cultural festival Origen has been awarded the Wakker Prize. The village of Riom is currently hosting four exhibitions. It also aims to revitalize other vacant buildings in the village.
On the Julier Pass, Russian photographer Alex Plotnikov shows portraits of young Russian dancers in historic St. Petersburg interiors. At the Hotel Löwe, a series of life-size cardboard figures refer to the illustrious guests of the venerable post hotel. In Riom, the castle opens its doors and hosts the costume exhibition "Noah's New Clothes", an installation by Martin Leuthold with music by Lorenz Dangel. In the "Cabinet of Visions" in the gymnasium of the Riom school building, development projects and future prospects for Riom are presented.
The Wakker Prize is awarded to the Graubünden cultural institution "for its exemplary approach to the existing building culture" in the mountain village of Riom. Origen also presented the Malancuneia project: Four vacant buildings are to be restored and given a new lease of life. The abandoned parish hall is to become the festival center, while the historic Frisch House will accommodate staff and guests. Workshops will be set up in a vacant, modern barn, costumes will be sewn and local sheep's wool will be processed. The school building will become an education center and will be available for international collaborations, master classes and contemporary theater creations.
The necessary investment in infrastructure for the project amounts to CHF 7.6 million. Origen wants to finance as many construction measures as possible by the time the Wakker Prize is awarded in August 2018. Corresponding supporters, patrons and sponsors will be listed on a plaque at the community center. The government of the canton of Graubünden has promised the foundation around one million francs if Origen succeeds in raising the remaining funds. The municipality of Surses is contributing by granting building rights.
