Museo Novecento’s WONDERFUL! Art Research Program has announced residencies for four emerging artists and a curator who will reside within the museum’s former Leopoldine complex for six months. The program is enriched by Manifattura Tabacchi, where five ateliers have been made available to host the final exhibition of the artists’ residency.
Designed to support education and production in contemporary art, the selection process began in December and ended at the end of January, receiving an overwhelming response of 170 applicants. The winners were carefully selected by Museo Novecento artistic director Sergio Risaliti and the curatorial team of Eva Francioli, Francesca Neri and Stefana Rispoli.
The shortlisted applicants Friedrich Andreoni, Lucia Cantò, Benedetta Fioravanti, Giovanna Repetto, and curator Benedetta Casini will undergo training and research from now until October, culminating in setting up an exhibition. The program will include visits to museums and artistic centres, alongside meetings with artisans, architects, designers, restorers and gallery owners.
Mayor Dario Nardella described the project as “truly innovative”, “thanks to which Florence will open its doors to young Italian and international artists and curators, supporting their professional growth”. He continued: “Special gratitude goes to Maria Manetti Shrem, a great friend to Florence who has never failed to lend her support in many of the city’s great cultural initiatives.”
Having recently joined forces with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to establish an educational centre at Florence’s Meyer children’s hospital, Maria Manetti Shrem wholeheartedly embraced the project, highlighting her support of contemporary arts and the importance of providing accessible education and training to young people.
The program is one-of-a-kind in Italy as an entire wing is dedicated to the training of contemporary artists and curators. With Manifattura Tabacchi, the museum is positioning itself as a nurturing hub for artistic development.
“The Italian art system struggles to support research, so offering time, space and financial means to study represents tangible support for new generations of artists and curators,” remarks Michelangelo Giombini, CEO of Manifattura Tabacchi. “Today, [Manifattura Tabacchi] confirms itself as a workplace as well as a home for artists and curators.”
In October during Florence Art Week, the artists and curator will showcase their work in the ateliers of Manifattura Tabacchi.
