As Icehotel, a marvel of temporary architecture and design, gears up to celebrate its 35th anniversary, it opens its doors to global competition, calling upon creative minds to contribute to its ever-evolving icy tapestry. This prestigious event marks another year of the hotel’s existence and is a tribute to the artistry and innovation that have become synonymous with its name.

Founded in 1989, Icehotel has stood as a testament to the extraordinary. Each year, it is reborn from the icy waters of the Torne River, offering a unique blend of hotel and art exhibitions crafted from ice and snow. This annual metamorphosis has captivated guests from around the globe and provided a canvas for artists to showcase their breathtaking designs in ice and snow.

The 35th anniversary of Icehotel is poised to be a celebration like no other. The application process for the design competition is now open, inviting artists, designers, and dreamers to envision and create art suites that transcend the ordinary. The magic of Icehotel lies in its transitory nature – each design a fleeting masterpiece, existing only for a season.

Luca Roncoroni, the Creative Director of Icehotel, captures the essence of this opportunity, “Each ice block from the Torne River tells a story. Icehotel is more than a hotel; it’s a vibrant space for artists to create impactful, ephemeral ice art in an unparalleled environment.” This statement underscores the ethos of Icehotel – a place where art and nature seamlessly intertwine.

The competition seeks innovative, creative, and feasible designs to enhance the guest experience. Marie Herrey, CEO of Icehotel, expresses her enthusiasm, “As we plan for Icehotel 35, we’re eager to see the creative, exciting proposals for our art suites. This milestone celebration promises new experiences for our guests next winter.”

Icehotel has a rich history of collaborating with renowned artists and designers, such as Bernadotte & Kylberg, Kauppi & Kauppi, and Nicolas Triboulot & Fernand Manzi. This tradition of excellence continues with Icehotel 35, as it invites both seasoned and emerging artists to contribute to this legacy.

The practicalities of the competition are as follows: while prior experience in sculpting ice or snow is advantageous, the contest is open to all creative fields. Artists are responsible for realising their suites, supported by a team that assists in construction and lighting. The submission deadline is April 15, 2024, with the winning concepts announced on April 29, 2024.

Icehotel, in its essence, is a celebration of the transient and the beautiful. It stands as a unique intersection of art, nature, and hospitality. Each year, as the winter season’s hotel melts back into the Torne River, it leaves memories of extraordinary artistry and the anticipation for what the next winter will unveil.

Aspiring participants and enthusiasts can find more information and apply at Icehotel’s website.

In summary, Icehotel’s 35th anniversary is a milestone and a beacon for artistic innovation in ice and snow. It represents a rare opportunity for artists to push the boundaries of their creativity and for guests to immerse themselves in an unparalleled artistic journey.

Written by: Charmaine Lu

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