melt dome olten

Dissolving cultural differences, finding the smallest common denominator — and creating encounters that break down prejudice.

From 14 June to 7 July 2024, melt dome stood on the Platz der Begegnung in the centre of Olten. Around forty guests from politics, art, agriculture, music, literature, dance, psychology, environmental activism and more were invited to explore one question: what is our smallest common denominator as a society? The programme was as varied as its guests — readings, concerts, presentations, workshops, discussions and participatory theatre.

A dome built specially for the festival from scaffolding and construction textile held it all, with a small bar alongside. Entry was free at all times: melt dome is a place that stays open to everyone and makes room for encounter and exchange. Despite difficult fundraising conditions, bad weather and fewer visitors than hoped, the dome created an intimate atmosphere in which ideas were shared and new perspectives opened up.

The team: Yannick Portmann (initiator and lead), Carmen Franc and Noëlle Hutmacher (architecture), Julian Stettler (communication), János Sablatura (assistance and co-curation) and Stefanie Bumbacher (management assistance).

The project gave rise to the non-profit association Zusammenspiel, which now carries melt dome and smaller formats such as micro melt. melt dome has since received an Innocheque from Innosuisse and is developing its next edition with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) — see melt dome 2028.