Commissioned by Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein, this year’s artistic covering of the Ringturm brings a touch of seaside flair to the Danube Canal – while also subtly drawing attention to the problem of climate change.

An initiative of Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein, the Ringturm will be transformed this summer into what at first glance looks like an idyllic summertime scene showing bathers on a sandy beach. But the clouds in the background and the sharp silhouettes that jump out from Slovenian artist Vanja Bućan’s design hint at a change on the horizon. They reference the icebergs that give the work its name and are intended to turn the spotlight on climate change and its devastating consequences. “It’s particularly satisfying if we can also use art as a means of raising awareness of important topical issues such as climate change. And that is exactly what we are doing this year with Wandering Icebergs by Slovenian artist Vanja Bućan, whose work on the banks of the Danube Canal will give the people of Vienna a taste of summer, sea and sunshine,” as Robert Lasshofer, Chairman of the Managing Board of Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein, the main shareholder of Vienna Insurance Group (VIG), explained. The Group entered the Slovenian insurance market with the Wiener Städtische zavarovalnica podružnica brand in 2004.