The Artigianato e Palazzo arts and crafts fair returns to Palazzo Corsini al Prato and its iconic gardens from September 12 to 14.
Showcasing a new selection of 100 Italian and European artisans ranging from well-established ateliers to emerging talents, the fair explores the connections between craftsmanship, art, design and the social sphere through installations, exhibitions and multi-themed events with the intention of creating an evolving workspace that’s open to the public and exhibitors.
The main exhibition is by Bvlgari and is titled Wearable Icons: When the Accessory Becomes a Story, while Delizia, a site-specific pigmented concrete work by Turin-based Edoardo Piermattei, takes up temporary residence in the gardens. Other highlights of the 31st Artigianato e Palazzo include the Macro exhibition experience by architect Cosimo Bonciani, which aims to redefine the boundaries of craftsmanship. Master craftspeople display a macro version of one of their works in a daring transformation that extends both the size and the function. Visitors will be greeted by a gigantic pair of legs in the large entrance hall of Palazzo Corsini as they emerge from the vaulted ceiling and touch the ground. Meanwhile, Artex – Centro per l’Artigianato Artistico e Tradizionale della Toscana (Centre for Artistic and Traditional Craftsmanship of Tuscany) returns to A&P with a group show called Galleria dell’Artigianato: Chromatisms.
Next generation at Artigianato e Palazzo
Organizers Sabina Corsini and Neri Torrigiani double down on their commitment to young artisans with the new Next Generation space. Meet Giacomo and Filippo Zanini and their perfumes; gaze at Filippo Mannucci’s handmade furniture; experience Leonardo Cappellini’s wood art; wonder at the artistic ceramics by Flavia Lombardi Vallauri and marvel at Leonardo Bianchi’s scagliola inlays; touch the fabrics made by Simone Falli on a loom of his own design; and try on bespoke shoes by Bernardo Bartalesi.
Helping others through craftsmanship
The fair continues its social pledge, welcoming five cooperatives—San Patrignano Community with its weaving workshop; the Sant’Egidio Community with its art labs for people with disabilities; Associazione Pantagruel with its Poetry of Dolls project, which involves a group of women inmates from Sollicciano Prison; Talking Hands, which has transformed a design atelier into a social innovation space where refugees and asylum seekers work with professionals; and Cartiera, which produces leather and fabric accessories employing people in need and connecting artisans from the Southern Hemisphere with large international brands.
Restoring the Loggia
The fundraising campaign to restore Palazzo Corsini’s architectural masterpiece, the 17th-century Loggia del Buontalenti continues this year. Find out how to donate in this article by Sabina Corsini.
Entrance to Artigianato e Palazzo is from via della Scala 115 or via Il Prato 58. Minimum donation 10 euro.
