From craftspeople to art designers, Artigianato e Palazzo nurtures both traditional and contemporary artisan culture through exhibitions, installations, workshops and events with the aim of reinforcing the rich legacy of Italian creative heritage.
Founded in 1995 by Neri Torrigiani with the support of Princess Giorgiana Corsini, a collaboration he now continues with her daughter Sabina Corsini, Artigianato e Palazzo has burgeoned since its beginnings. Created from the concept of preserving and honouring unique craftsmanship, the arts and crafts fair, set against the enchanting backdrop of the Corsini Gardens (via della Scala 115), features 100 exemplars of the highest artisan tradition.
“In choosing to dedicate a focus this year to the restoration sector, we are happy to welcome professionals to the stables of Palazzo Corsini al Prato as part of the Florence City of Restoration project, curated by the Chamber of Commerce, because it is the sector that best represents the identity of the exhibition in its continuous dialogue between history and innovation,” explain Sabina Corsini and Neri Torrigiani.
This year’s fair features a group exhibition promoted by Artex and curated by Jean Blanchaert, set up in the Limonaia, designed by Studio Lavanguardia. Elisa Guidi, coordinator of Artex, elaborates, “The theme celebrates the important milestone of the 30th anniversary. We worked on the number 30, which in numerology symbolizes creativity as an expression and development of the intellect, and the number 3, which symbolizes perfection…We chose 30 Tuscan companies that will exhibit three pieces each.”
Other participants include third-generation master embroiderer Sanjar Nazarov from Uzbekistan, who showcases hand-embroidered garments and home textiles, and Juliana Stolberg Donà dalle Rose (Venice), demonstrating the traditional Japanese technique used to create unique paper flowers.
To inspire the younger generation, the Ferragamo Foundation is organizing free workshops, giving children a glimpse into the world of craftsmanship through wicker weaving and wallpaper making. When lunchtime arrives, head to Orto delle Monache, where you’ll find a generous selection of food trucks.
A minimum donation of 10 euro is requested with free admission for those under 30.
