Abruzzo Art Forum Unites Regional Players for First Time

The Accademia di Belle Arti dell'Aquila is organizing a three-day forum titled Centro/Periferia/Centro. Stati Generali dell'arte e della Formazione Artistica Contemporanea in Abruzzo, taking place October 17-19 as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. Curated by professors Silvano Manganaro and Maurizio Coccia, the event aims to foster networking among all contemporary art stakeholders in Abruzzo—institutions, public and private museums, schools, and artists. The forum is dedicated to the memory of recently deceased gallerist Cesare Manzo and artist Ettore Spalletti. Day one focuses on historical context and successful past projects like the magazine Segno, Joseph Beuys in Bolognano, FuoriUso in Pescara, and the Muspac in L'Aquila, as well as recent initiatives by Fondazione Aria, Fondazione Malvina Menegaz, and the MAXXI L'Aquila project. Day two is devoted to education. Day three features working tables coordinated by Giacinto di Pietrantonio, Paola Capata (recently opened Monitor gallery in Abruzzo), Dino Ferruzzi, Paolo Di Vincenzo, and Lucia Zappacosta (artistic director of Alviani ArtSpace). The event is seen as a first mapping of the regional art scene, with a publication planned to include voices not present at the forum.