Crans-Montana in Switzerland is not just a popular ski resort; it is also home to a unique public art project called the Vision Art Festival (VAF). The festival, started by Gregory Pages in 2014, aims to transform the brutalist ski infrastructure of the resort into a canvas for street art. Artists from around the world gather in Crans-Montana every July to create new pieces of public art, with over 200 walls now adorned with artwork from more than 160 artists. The festival has become a year-round attraction, with visitors able to enjoy the art through guided tours and an interactive street art map.
Creating public art in the mountains at altitudes between 1,500m and 3,000m presents logistical challenges, with some pieces located in remote areas requiring hikes to reach. Despite the challenges, the project has been a success, with artists excited to work in nature but sometimes feeling isolated in the mountainous landscape. The collection of art in Crans-Montana is diverse, featuring a wide range of styles, mediums, and messages all related to the local environment and nature. The local community has embraced the modernism, with public art becoming a beloved part of the town’s landscape for residents of all ages.
The success of the Vision Art Festival has led to an increase in interest from artists around the world, with Pages receiving around 400 requests annually from artists wanting to be involved. The festival has evolved to include collaborations with local schools, allowing nearly 1,000 schoolchildren to work with artists to create new artwork. One particularly moving piece involves an artist tagging his name on a painting by Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler, connecting the modern street art to traditional Swiss art from over 100 years ago. The project has been well-received, with locals and visitors alike appreciating the fusion of modern art with the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The Vision Art Fund’s interactive street art map allows visitors to explore the streets of Crans-Montana and discover the various pieces of public art scattered throughout the town. The collection includes a range of impressive murals, sculptures, and installations, all created by talented artists from around the world. The diversity of styles and themes adds to the charm of the project, with every piece telling a unique story and reflecting the beauty of the local environment. The festival has become a significant draw for tourists and locals alike, showcasing the creativity and talent of artists while enhancing the cultural experience of the resort.
The Vision Art Festival has successfully transformed Crans-Montana into a year-round cultural destination, attracting visitors with its unique blend of urban art and natural beauty. The festival has brought together artists from diverse backgrounds and countries, creating a vibrant and engaging art scene in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The success of the project is evident in the positive feedback from residents and visitors, who appreciate the creativity and innovation that the festival has brought to the resort. With the continued growth of the festival and the addition of new artworks each year, Crans-Montana’s reputation as a hub for public art continues to grow, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
