WHAT'S NEW?! #39 - VILLACH IN JUNE 2024

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In June, Villach offers a variety of events and projects, such as participation in the conception of the new Josefsmarkt, information on the city hall construction works and the Alpen-Arena modernization, the new AugenAuf! newsletter, the honoring of special personalities, and leisure tips, such as the special exhibition "HAPPINESS" at the museum or the participatory event "Villach singt" in the city center.

• Market Impulses: The city of Villach invites citizens to a participatory project on June 12th at lebensRAUM, where all interested parties can contribute ideas for the new Josefsmarkt. The goal is to create the most modern market in the Alpine-Adriatic region, with a year-round event program and a new market hall at Kaiser-Josef-Platz, which is expected to be completed by 2027. The market aims to promote regional and healthy food and is a significant investment for the city. You can register here.
   
• City Hall Construction Works is in Full Swing: The official start of construction for the major city hall (Stadthalle) project in Villach has begun! The construction works include the renewal of cabins and sanitary facilities for EC VSV. Planning for a second ice rink including modern fitness and multifunctional rooms is underway. Tenders are expected to start in autumn. The project, which will involve around 25 million euros from the city, state, and federal governments, is expected to be completed by 2026.

• Recognized for Transparency: Villach has been honored by "Transparency International" in the large cities ranking and is among the top cities in Austria in terms of transparency. The city achieved third place, behind Vienna in first place, and Graz and Linz sharing second place. This recognition acknowledges Villach's open and transparent handling of public funds and information.
   
• AugenAuf! Goes Even Further: Since 2018, the AugenAuf! deficiency reporting app has submitted 11,400 issues to the city. The new AugenAuf! newsletter not only informs about resolved issues but also provides valuable tips for everyday life and living together in Villach. Registrations between May 30th and July 15th also participate in an attractive raffle.
   
• Awards for Outstanding Villachers: This year, Primarius Georg Lukeschitsch and philosopher Konrad Paul Liessmann were honored with the Paracelsus Ring for outstanding achievements. The Bruno Gironcoli Sponsorship Award was also presented to Villach actress Philine Schmölzer during a solemn ceremony.

• Alpen-Arena Gets in Shape: Three million euros will be invested in the modernization of the ski jumping facility at the Villacher Alpen Arena by 2026. The facility is among the most heavily used in the world. In addition to the ongoing modernization of the 90-meter hill, the smaller hills will be renovated in the coming years, and the warm-up room will be expanded to continue to provide an optimal training and competition venue.
   
• The Pursuit of HAPPINESS: This year's special exhibition at the Museum of Villach is dedicated to the theme of "Happiness" and explores it in various contexts such as faith, enjoyment, and society. In addition to historical insights and innovative events, the bilingual exhibition covering 500 square meters offers a diverse and emotionally charged experience for all generations.
   
• Singing Together in Villach's Center: On June 15th, the popular event "Villach Sings" takes place, where choirs from Villach and the surrounding area envelop the city center in a cloud of sound. Offerings range from Carinthian songs to madrigals and gospel. Participants include the Alpen-Adria Choir Villach, the Finanzchor Villach, the Villach Mama Choir, and the school choir at Perau Gymnasium. The event ends at 12 noon at Rathausplatz with a traditional communal singing, where all listeners are invited to join in.
   
• Events: In June, not only is the Drinking Water Day on June 14th with a captivating program around the theme of water at the Obere Fellach reservoir, but also a variety of other events focusing on literature and art are on the agenda. From June 27th to 29th, a live broadcast of the Bachmanntage including a reading competition will be offered at the Kulturhof:villach. In addition, students from CHS Villach will present their works on "Mixed Realities" at Dinzlschloss, where analog and digital merge. The vernissage takes place on June 11th at 5 p.m.