INK/Florence Tattoo Convention
November 18–20
Fortezza da Basso, viale Filippo Strozzi, Florence
Mingle with ink masters from around the world at the ninth edition of the Florence Tattoo Convention. Trailblazers in tattoo artistry will be in the spotlight: this year there’s a particular focus on Japanese leaders of the Irezumi technique (key guests will include Ouka of Rat-Skill Tattoo and Tenkiryu of Honke Horiyoshi Family). But the event isn’t just for insiders: anyone curious about the tattoo techniques employed around the globe can stop in to see demonstrations of traditional Nordic approaches, dot work and tribal tattooing. The convention will also include a body piercing section, a children’s circus area and an art exhibition space (with standout works by Norwegian painter Henrik Uldalen and celebrity photographer Estevan Oriol, affiliated with Soul Assassins). View the full program here.
MOVIE NIGHT/The Last Emperor
November 22, 8.30pm
Odeon Cinehall, piazza Strozzi, Florence
As per tradition, Palazzo Strozzi is partnering with the Odeon for an exciting cinematic series in line with its current exhibition. In keeping with the themes explored in Ai Weiwei. Libero, the Tuesdays at the Movies series will focus on films tracing the transition from ancient Chinese civilization toward the country’s multifaceted, and often conflicting, modern identity. Next in the lineup is Bernardo Bertolucci’s masterpiece The Last Emperor, a 1987 British-Italian epic recounting the life of Pu Yi. Entry is free while seats last (arrive early–it’s on for one night only!) The Odeon also continues its regularly scheduled programming this week with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, running until November 20 and then again from November 26-27. View the full program on the website.
FUNDRAISER/RunforMeyer aperitivo
November 17, 7pm
Golden View Bar, via de’ Bardi 58r
Firenze Marathon is just around the corner and runners are already taking their (mental) marks. For the second consecutive year, a group of generous athletes has teamed up to support Florence’s children’s hospital, Meyer, throughout all 26.2 grueling miles. If you missed out on the months of training required for such a feat, but would like to lend a hand to their worthy cause, take part in a Thursday night aperitivo! Via de’ Bardi hotspot Golden View is hosting an event where 50 percent of proceeds will go directly to Meyer. 12 euro will get you a drink and finger foods, not to mention a priceless view of the Ponte Vecchio. Learn more on the official Facebook event.
VISION/Lo Schermo dell’Arte
Until November 20
La Compagnia, via Cavour 54, Florence
50 Days of International Cinema continues this week with Lo Schermo dell’Arte, one of the most diverse festivals in the lineup, focusing on the relationship between contemporary art and cinema. But there’s much more to it than movies: one of the standout components is the 2016 edition of VISIO: European Programme on Artists’ Moving Images, curated by Leonardo Bigazzi. Comprising an exhibition and a series of seminars, the initiative spotlights international artists who incorporate moving images into their work. This year the participants’ work will be displayed in hidden corners of the recently reopened La Compagnia Cinema, spots that are normally closed off to the public. As for the films, a Friday night highlight will be Eva Hesse, Marcie Begleiter’s movie on the influential American post-war artist (6pm, November 18). For the full program, see the website.
