Project “Fans” – Extension 2025

As part of the extension of the “Fans” project, in recent months new life-size wooden sculptures have been created and hand-carved. The works were made by UNIKA artists following the local artisanal tradition and explore the theme of the connection between the five Olympic rings and the Ladin valleys.

The project serves as an artistic bridge between regional identity and a major international event, namely the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, and is part of the official cultural program of the Olympics: Cultural Olympiad – The Arts Programme.

The sculptures were carved and completed within the scheduled timeframe. Currently, the “Fans” are on display at the Biathlon Stadium in Antholz, one of the main competition venues of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Thanks to this location, the works reach a wide international audience, including visitors, athletes, media representatives, and official delegations.

In this way, the “Fans” serve not only as works of art but also as cultural ambassadors, capable of conveying the origins, values, and artisanal excellence of the Ladin valleys.

The new fan figures were carved by Filip Piccolruaz, Patrick Obkircher, Marko Kostner, Lorenz Demetz and Damian Piazza.