The Circle of Art and Culture of Ortisei originates from the Exhibition Association, founded between 1920 and the Second World War. The founders were Jakob Mussner, Jakob Crepaz and Vinzenz Moroder, with the aim of offering new opportunities to the woodcarvers of Val Gardena during an economic crisis. The annual exhibitions allowed local artists to present their works directly to visitors and potential buyers. The main goal was to support artistic activity and promote the development of the traditional woodcarving art of Val Gardena, especially in the field of Christian art.

Among the main supporters of this initiative were August “Gustl” Runggaldier (Bera Gustl da Furdenan) and Vinzenz Moroder da Resciesa. Initially, some works were exhibited in the local elementary school and sold to tourists. In 1937, during the Fascist period, with contributions from local craftsmen and support from the mayor Tanesini, the current building of the Mostra d’Ert was constructed in St. Anthony’s Square.

After the Second World War, the association’s leadership passed to a younger generation of artists, including Viktor Moroder, Raimund Mureda, Milly Schmalzl and Rudolf Moroder-Rudolfine. In 1946, the first post-war exhibition was held, accompanied by a competition for Christmas nativity scenes. During the same period, an exhibition was organized to honor sculptor Josef Moroder-Lusenberg on the centenary of his birth.

Later, the association was renamed “Circle of Artists”. Members began experimenting with new expressive forms and materials, which sometimes caused criticism among the local population. Nevertheless, the circle remained an important meeting point for artists and received support from external experts.

In 1950, the creation of a library began, which over the years became one of the largest collections of art books in South Tyrol. In 1951, the circle organized a large exhibition titled “Three Hundred Years of Woodcarving in Val Gardena”, presenting works by historic masters together with those of contemporary artists.

In the following decades, the association continued to grow by organizing exhibitions, competitions and cultural events. In the 1950s, the artist group Ruscél was also founded, consisting of young local artists.

A major turning point came between 1968 and 1970, when new members modernized the association and expanded its cultural activities. Besides art exhibitions, cultural meetings, lectures and concerts were promoted, and during this period the association officially adopted the name Circle of Art and Culture.

Despite occasional controversies, the circle has remained one of the most important cultural institutions in Val Gardena. Until 2004, it also managed the only youth center in Ortisei. After a short temporary relocation, the association returned to its original headquarters in 2007.