Innsbruck-based artist Lorena Mantl had already made it into the top 5 of the Ö1 Talent Scholarship for visual arts and was the only finalist from Western Austria. On October 7, 2026, the Talent Scholarship was awarded; Lorena Mantl won the online preliminary round—the Audience Award secures her free participation in the “Artist Statement” as part of the Parallel Vienna 2027 art fair. Congratulations!

In recognition of her actions and commitment to social freedom and fundamental democratic values, the Mozarteum University awarded Maria Kalesnikava an honorary professorship as part of the long-term project “Practicing Care – A Care Network at an Arts University,” intended to send a strong message through her numerous activities. On October 5, Maria Kalesnikava accepted her honorary professorship in person. She had already been awarded the honorary professorship by the Mozarteum University in absentia in the fall of 2022.