Arne Bergh is the Artistic Director at ICEHOTEL. Each season, he and his colleagues in the ICEHOTEL Art & Design Group tend to breathe a sigh of relief when the artists have been chosen for the coming winter. Arne explains the selection process. “We receive applications from artists and designers from all around the world. The final date for applications is in mid-July.
Last year, around 150 artists applied, which is about the usual number. It’s a good number, since it gives us a very broad selection. Competition is tough. After the vacation period, usually in mid-August, the jury gathers to make their picks.”
What is the selection process?
“All entries are unpacked and the sketches are displayed without the artists’ names being disclosed. Then, the jury members assess the sketches and place their votes. The chosen works must represent a broad variety, with both figurative and abstract expression.
There must be something for everyone. The group has many years of experience and can determine whether the material – ice and snow – is suitable for the proposed design concepts.”
How many artists did you choose last year?
“It was 27 artists but most of them worked in pairs. Their work adorned 15 of ICEHOTEL’s Art Suites. The other suites featured work by members of the Art & Design Group.”
Where did last year’s artists come from?
“Those travelling the furthest were from Chile, Japan and USA. Then, we had artists from England, Spain, Germany and Russia. We were very excited by the fabulous ideas and expressions from former Eastern Block countries: Latvia, Macedonia and Bulgaria.”
Are there any dominant tendencies or forms of expression? “Last year, we saw many organic shapes, with a lot of meandering and winding forms.”
You mentioned the variety of experienced and novice ice artists. What does that mean for this art form?
“The ‘old’ ice artists are mentors for those working in the material for the first time. That mix vitalizes the ice art. Over the years, we’ve seen what can happen when daring novices take on a new material. The art form is continually renewed; new things happen every year. Even though we’ve amassed quite a lot of experience by now, it’s still new territory.”
When will this year’s version of ICEHOTEL be ready?
“We build in stages. Half of the artists arrive middle of November and the rest join us beginning of December. ICEHOTEL will be inaugurated on December 10th, but the build won’t be completed until the end of the year.”
Do you want to know more about becoming an ICEHOTEL artist? The application will be released on our website during spring. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact art@icehotel.com.