At the satellite event of Engadin Art Talks at Scala, St. Moritz, Maja Hoffmann, Hans Ulrich Obrist and Vassilis Oikonomopoulos discussed the evolution of LUMA Arles, the intersection of art, ecology, and social impact, and the role of archives in contemporary curating. Hoffmann reflected on the organic development of LUMA Arles, from its inception on a barren industrial site to a dynamic cultural campus, integrating art, research, and sustainability. She highlighted the Atelier LUMA, a research-driven design lab focused on local materials, ecological innovation, and open-source methodologies. Oikonomopoulos expanded on the foundation’s long-term artistic engagements, such as Judy Chicago’s smoke sculptures, William Kentridge’s opera, and site-specific commissions that merge art with environmental awareness. Obrist emphasized LUMA’s longue durée approach, fostering deep artistic engagement beyond short-term exhibition cycles. He discussed the foundation’s commitment to archives, showcasing Edouard Glissant, Etel Adnan, and Gustav Metzger, whose work on ecological urgency and activism aligns with LUMA’s mission. The conversation underscored the need for new cultural institutions that prioritize sustainability, artistic collaboration, and social engagement.
“LUMA was never meant to be just an art institution — it is a place of exchange, a site for ecology, human rights, and artistic creation.”
— Maja Hoffmann
