Bridge Makers roundtable two: Castrignano de’ Greci
During this two-day meeting hosted by our member Ramdom, we looked at artist residencies as cultural infrastructures and spaces for research, experimentation and exchange within specific territorial contexts. The event brought together artists, researchers, curators, cultural practitioners, and institutional representatives to collectively reflect on the role, impact, and sustainability of artist residencies, with particular attention to rural and peripheral areas and Mediterranean geographies.
The group addressed governance models and quality criteria for artist residencies, and looked at their impact on host territories, communities, and artistic practices. We also explored connections between residencies and the ecosystems they exist in, looking at how they contribute to non-invasive cultural and social regeneration and influence artists’ research trajectories.
Finally, the meeting focused on economic and organisational models for artist residencies, creative bureaucracy, ethical and sustainable funding, and policies for institutional and ministerial recognition. The group reflected on hybrid strategies integrating public and private funding.
A key objective was to lay the groundwork for a formal proposal recognising artist residencies as cultural infrastructures and to identify reference models applicable across different contexts.
Friday, May 29th
10.00 Institutional greetings in the presence of Roberto Casaluci, Mayor of Castrignano de' Greci
10.15 Welcome session and introduction by Paolo Mele (Director of Ramdom/ President of STARE); presentation of the three main topics of discussion at the round tables and guests: Lorenzo Balbi, Piet Forger, Elise Jouvancy, Irmeli Kokko, Cesare Pietroiusti, Angela Serino.
13.30 Lunch break and free time
15.30 Round tables
Round table 1: Definition and Identity of Artist Residencies. With: Irmeli Kokko (researcher and curator) and Filippo Tantillo (researcher). Moderator: Angela Serino.
Round table 2: Impact, Outputs, and Cultural Ecosystems. With: Lorenzo Balbi (MAMbo / AMACI); Tiziana Di Caro (gallerist, Italics Art and Landscape); Lucas Evers (WAAG Lab); Elise Jouvancy (Arts en Résidence); Théo Majcher (ALTER EGO (X)); Markéta Hrdlička Málková (Rezi.Dance). Moderator: Piet Forger.
Round table 3: Models and Strategies: Sustainability, Governance, and Policy. With: Cesare Pietroiusti (artist) and Chiara Pisano (researcher). Moderator: Lorenzo Balbi (Baltan Lab).
18.30 Preview visit to the exhibition “Qui” / “Here” curated by Ramdom at Kora - Centro del contemporaneo
20.30 Social dinner at Kora Centro del contemporaneo
Saturday, May 30th
9.30 Collective sharing session of the results from the round tables, in the presence of institutional decision makers.
12.30 Institutional farewell
13.30 Lunch break at Kora
16.00 Activity for associates: STARE assembly; Moderators and collaborators: writing draft of the Manifesto
19:00 Official opening of the exhibition “Qui” / “Here” curated by Ramdom Free dinner 9 p.m. Festival Ogni Altro Suono, followed by a concert by Marco Baldini (ensemble) and a DJ set party