Public art as a means to enable new green and sustainable lifestyles.
THE MONASTERIES OF ART, a bridge between cultural heritage and sustainable development.
The enchanting setting of Baglio Santo Stefano in Gibellina, with the Mediterranean hospitality of the Orestiadi Foundation, welcomed participants to the first meeting of an innovative European project: “Monasteries of Art” (MON-ART).The ambitious initiative, supported by the Creative Europe program, involves seven partners from five countries and aims to enhance historical monasteries or similar structures, revitalizing the role of a cultural asset as a place for artistic regeneration and social promotion for the community. Over a three-year period, the goal is to build a European network of “Monasteries of Art,” places where cultural heritage blends with public art to stimulate cultural and social regeneration in line with the goals of Green Deal and European New Bauhaus.
The concept of the “Monastery of Art” goes beyond the simple cultural enhancement of historic religious buildings: it represents an innovative model in which artistic creativity will transform these historical spaces into dynamic centers of artistic production that not only preserve cultural heritage but also regenerate it in a contemporary context. It also aims to create artistic residences where “Regenerator Artists” closely collaborate with local communities, promoting new dynamics and opportunities for personal and spiritual reflections. MON-ART plans the redevelopment of six emblematic locations in different regions of Europe into centers dedicated to art and culture.
These sites have been chosen for their historical relevance, their potential for integration with local communities, and their capacity to host artistic residencies and cultural activities, including those with technological components and economic implications.
The Abbey of San Remigio in Parodi Ligure is located in the municipality of Parodi Ligure.
This historic Benedictine abbey (12th century), owned by the municipality, will be transformed into an artistic residence where cultural regeneration projects will be promoted through contemporary art.
Gibellina (Italy), reborn as a symbol of cultural regeneration after the 1968 earthquake, will use the Baglio di Stefano, the site of many activities of the Orestiadi Foundation, which is already envisioned as a space for artistic residencies and cultural events, continuing the tradition of transformation through art.
The Belasitsa Natural Park in Bulgaria, known for its great ecological relevance, will convert a historic monastery into an artistic center dedicated to biodiversity and environmental education, integrating art and nature.
The Cistercian Abbey of Zirc in Hungary, dating back to the 12th century, will be transformed into a cultural center where contemporary art will blend with the.monastery tradition.
In Gjirokastra, Albania, a UNESCO heritage city, a monastery will be transformed into a center for artistic residency and cultural regeneration, focusing on the conservation and reinterpretation of historical heritage, including Byzantine influences.
In Nicosia, Cyprus, various historical monuments will be converted into spaces for intercultural dialogue and artistic cooperation, promoting reconciliation in a city with a history of divisions.
Each of the European partners in the project will bring specific skills and extensive experience in the fields of culture, art, and sustainability.
Mimesis Editions from Milan, an Italian publishing house specializing in academic and essay publications, with a strong focus on the humanities, art, and culture, will coordinate the project, relying on a proven and highly experienced staff.
The Orestiadi Institute Foundation (Italy): a cultural institution based in Gibellina, Sicily, will be the emblematic venue for the first meeting due to the strong historical, cultural significance, and social commitment that have made this territory an example of material and spiritual regeneration.
Slow Food in Bulgaria (Bulgaria): part of the international Slow Food movement, which promotes food biodiversity and sustainability by enhancing local culinary traditions.
Pro Progressione Cultural Non-profit Ltd (Hungary) is a non-profit cultural organization based in Budapest, specializing in multidisciplinary projects ranging from performing arts to fine arts, coordinating these activities at the Zirc Abbey.
Visual Voices (Cyprus), specialized in projects involving communities affected by conflicts, is an organization that uses art to promote intercultural dialogue and peace.
CYENS Centre of Excellence (Cyprus): a center of excellence based in Nicosia, specialized in advanced research on interactive technologies, intelligent systems, and emerging technologies. CYENS supports the integration of technology in the MON-ART project.
Five more associates join the partners, aiming to support the implementation of the Monasteries of Art model and to contribute to strengthening its international network: Belasitsa Nature Park Directorate (Bulgaria), University of Parma (Italy), PIRPIRI founded by Elida Zhulati (Albania), Atelier Driba AD93. Artisans d’Art – Atelier de créations artistiques et artisanales (Tunisia), the cultural association ‘Gruppo Due Sotto L’Ombrello’ (Italy).
For more information, contact segreteria@orestiadi.it