ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECES FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The one-of-a-kind pieces created through the collaboration between Gmundner Keramik and Lebenshilfe Oberösterreich are being auctioned for a good cause. All proceeds will benefit the ORF charity campaign “Licht ins Dunkel”. The auction runs until 1 November 2026.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the ORF Peace Light, Lebenshilfe Upper Austria and Gmundner Keramik have launched a joint project for the 2026 “Licht ins Dunkel” charity campaign under the motto “Peace & Light.” The artists from the Kreativum team at Lebenshilfe developed designs inspired by peace, hope, and solidarity, which were then transferred onto plates, cups, jugs, and unique one-of-a-kind pieces by the ceramic painters at the Gmundner Keramik manufactory. The resulting unique pieces will be auctioned in support of the ORF “Licht ins Dunkel” charity campaign.
40 Years of the Peace Light: A Message from Upper Austria
The ORF Peace Light was first lit in 1986 and has been closely associated with Upper Austria ever since. To mark its 40th anniversary, Lebenshilfe Upper Austria and Gmundner Keramik are joining forces to carry forward its message of peace and solidarity through a joint initiative. Under the motto “Peace & Light,” the project brings together the creative work of the artists from the Kreativum team with the traditional craftsmanship of Gmundner Keramik.
Tour of the manufactory
As the project got underway, the artists from Lebenshilfe Upper Austria were given fascinating insights into the creation of unique ceramic works of art during an inspiring guided tour of the manufactory. They had the opportunity to experience the creative process up close, discover the distinctive craftsmanship, and gain their first hands-on experience painting ceramics themselves.
Individual Designs Celebrating Peace and Togetherness
The artists then enthusiastically began putting their first ideas on paper. With great imagination and dedication, they created designs that would later serve as templates for individual ceramic artworks. In their own unique ways, the artists’ designs tell stories of peace and togetherness. They feature horizons and suns, the world and human faces, as well as the dove of peace as a symbol of hope.
Unique Art on Ceramics
The ceramic painters at the Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur then transfer the designs onto plates, cups, jugs, and other individual pieces by hand. The result is a collection of one-of-a-kind works that combine the artists’ individual visual language with the craftsmanship of this traditional Austrian manufactory. Each piece bears the distinctive mark of this special collaboration. At the same time, the project gives the artists from Lebenshilfe the opportunity to share their work with a wider audience and gain insights into the traditional art of ceramic painting. Here, art, craftsmanship, and inclusion come together in a truly meaningful way.
From Design to One-of-a-Kind Piece
After their ceramic pieces had been completed, the artists returned to the manufactory for a special moment: for the first time, they were able to see their own designs brought to life on the finished ceramic pieces. The project was officially concluded with the signing of certificates, commemorating and celebrating this special collaboration.
Auction in Support of “Licht ins Dunkel”
The finished one-of-a-kind pieces will be auctioned via the Aurena auction platform. The auction runs until November 1, 2026, with all proceeds benefiting the ORF “Licht ins Dunkel” charity campaign. A special highlight is a 30-piece tableware set featuring the dove of peace motif. The set will be auctioned on November 13, 2026, at the “Licht ins Dunkel” Gala in Vienna. The dove of peace represents hope and peaceful coexistence, echoing the message of the Peace Light. In this way, a shared artistic idea becomes a contribution to a good cause.
