JEWELLERY/Preziosa
June 20-July 20
Museo Marino Marini, piazza San Pancrazio, Florence
An exhibit of jewellery as art objects, including works by international artists, both well-established and emerging which, if not exactly wearable, are inventive and beautiful, including a necklace incorporating an actual turbine, one made out of buttons, and scaly, snake-like rings. See www.preziosa.org for more.
FESTIVAL/San Giovanni Battista
June 21-25
The British Institute of Florence and Badia Fiorentina, Florence
A cultural festival by and for Florentines and visitors to celebrate the city’s patron saint, John the Baptist. Events in store include a contemporary and early modern sacred art exhibition, an interdisciplinary bi-lingual conference, and two concerts in historic locations. TF editor Alexandra Lawrence will also be conducting a unique tour through Florence focused on John the Baptist (June 22, 3pm, email a.lawrence@theflorentine.net for reservations). For the festival programme see www.tinyurl.com/giovannibattista.
CERAMICS/International fair
June 21-23
Montelupo Fiorentino (FI)
Montelupo is one of the ceramics centres of the world, so where better to see the best of contemporary and classic creation? This year, there will be focus on women artists, with two exhibits at the Museo della Ceramica. Musical performances, showrooms and open air workshops will also feature during the three days; see www.festaceramica.it for more.
TRADITION/San Giovanni
June 22 and 24, Florence
Florence celebrates its patron saint with a public holiday on June 24 and a firework extravaganza in the evening. Head to the city centre early to get a good viewing spot. In the lead up to the festivities, on June 22 Florentines and visitors will take to the streets for an evening run through the city. The two races (a 10km competitive run and a 4km family jog) kick off at 9pm in piazza Duomo, and wind through some of the most beautiful areas of Florence. See www.firenzemarathon.it.
MOVE/Florence Dance Festival
June 26-July 27
Bargello Museum, Florence
A journey into the new age of movement, this year’s festival celebrates modern, post-modern and contemporary dance through a new generation of choreographers and great international dance companies, including the Parsons Dance Company from New York and the Spanish Interferencia Danza. The historic Bargello Museum will provide the backdrop to these multimedia shows, which will feature over 250 artists. Visit www.florencedance.org for the programme.
SENSES/Melodia del Vino
June 27-July 6
Various vineyards in Tuscany
A feast for the eyes, ears and taste buds, Melodia del Vino combines fine wines and top quality live music in beautiful locations in Tuscany. This year will take in the extraordinary buried cellars of Cantina Antinori and the medieval Banfi castle, and will include international stars such as young Ukrainian pianist Alexander Romanovsky and French ‘cellist Henri Demarquette. Visit www.melodiadelvino.it for the full programme.
MEDICI/The Grand Prince
June 26-November 3
Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Marking 300 years since the death of Grand Prince Ferdinando de’ Medici, this exhibit celebrates the life of one of the most important collectors and patrons of the arts in the history of the Medici, including sections on iconography, art collected by the Prince, renovations he commissioned in Florence, and Florentine statuary. For more, see www.unannoadarte.it.
TF EVENT/ Show & Tell
July 2, 7pm
Rari, Lungarno Ferrucci 24, Florence
The 5th annual ToscanaIN English night event, in collaboration this year with The Florentine and Yelp, brings us back to elementary school with ‘Show & Tell’! Come to this networking event with an object that tells a tale – don’t worry, it’s not hard! Speak, for 1-3 minutes in English, about a thing that you made, or got on a trip, or received from your grandma. You’ll get a prize from Yelp just for participating, and then we’ll all move on to getting to know each other over a satisfying apericena for only 10 euro. Sign up required at http://bit.ly/1138NTE.
SHOP/Be Vintage Selection
July 3-5
Stazione Leopolda, Florence
Taking shopping to the next level, Be Vintage Selection is a hymn to dressing vintage and being inspired by styles of the past, to standing out from the crowd and reinforcing your own unique personality. Check out new designers, an exhibit on vintage vehicles, concerts, drinks and more. See www.pittimmagine.com.
PRATO/Festival delle Colline
July 3-31
Various places in the Province of Prato
From indie-rock to Bach, churches to libraries, Holland to China: this year’s Festival delle Colline is a series of concerts and other cultural events bringing together a range of genres from around the world in some beautiful locations in the Prato area. All are low cost and some are even free; find out more at www.festivaldellecolline.com.
MEDIEVAL/Monteriggioni Festival
July 5-7 and 12-14
Monteriggioni (SI)
Costumes, taverns, minstrels, acrobats, jesters, stilt walkers, sword swallowers, storytellers and pageants: the small town of Monteriggioni will wind back the clock to medieval times for two weekends only. With many multilingual performances, visitors from across the globe are welcome. Find out more at www.monteriggionimedievale.it.
FOOD & ART/Aperitivo ad Arte
Until September 26, 7-10pm
Museums in Florence
Sip a cocktail while enjoying rooms in Florence’s greatest museums after hours. Visit the Accademia every Wednesday, the Uffizi every Thursday, and the Bargello every Tuesday from August 6. Reservations are highly recommended; see http://tinyurl.com/lqvtyxk or call 055/294883 for more information.
SIENA/Lux in Nocte
June 21, 7.30pm-midnight
Duomo museum complex, Siena
On June 21, the lightest night of the year, the museum complex of Siena’s Duomo will remain open from 7.30pm till midnight. Be the first to take the Porta del Cielo tour at night, exploring the cathedral’s hidden upper walkways, or view the artworks of the museum accompanied by live classical music. For information and reservations see www.operaduomo.siena.it.
RUN/La Notturna
June 22, 9pm
Piazza Duomo, Florence
Jog through the historic streets and piazzas of Florence in the cool of the evening, on this annual 10km San Giovanni run. Those feeling less energetic can take part in a 4km Family Walk. Find out how to participate and other details at www.firenzemarathon.it.
PHOTO/Henri Cartier-Bresson
June 22- November 3
Lu.C.C.A. (Lucca Center of Contemporary Art), Lucca
Discover the life and fabulous photography of Cartier-Bresson, the French photographer considered to be the father of modern photojournalism. His personal, candid and absolutely unique photos capture moments in history and were the beginnings of street photography. Visit www.luccamuseum.com for more.
ART & SCIENCE/Chianti Star Festival
June 29-August 11
Palazzo Malaspina, San Donato in Poggio
Science and art unite in this celebration of the Chianti area and dissemination of scientific culture. Meet OpenLab professors and researchers dedicated to the relationship between art and science, see an international contemporary art exhibit and watch films which explore what happens when art meets science. Visit http://eng.chiantistarfestival.com for more information.
