ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bagliore: Six Writers Explore Italy's New Cultural Centers

publication · 2026-04-27

The book 'Bagliore,' edited by Bertram Niessen and published by il Saggiatore in Milan in 2020, highlights Italy's expanding network of grassroots cultural spaces. These transformed sites, like old factories and public baths, now host diverse activities such as theater, art exhibits, film screenings, poetry readings, 3D printing classes, and music festivals. This initiative kicked off in August 2019 with support from Mibact and SIAE via the Per Chi Crea program, following a call for writers that drew 459 entries. A jury including Paolo Di Paolo and others selected six writers who explored everyday life in places like Bagni Pubblici di Via Agliè in Turin. Niessen emphasizes the significance of connecting theory and practice in these vital cultural hubs.

Key facts

  • Bagliore is a book and project launched in August 2019 by cheFare and il Saggiatore.
  • Supported by Mibact and SIAE under the Per Chi Crea program.
  • 459 writers responded to the call for residencies.
  • Jury included Paolo Di Paolo, Claudia Durastanti, Andrea Gentile, Giacomo Giossi, and Marilù Manta.
  • Six selected authors: Federica Andreoni, Pierluigi Bizzini, Marco De Vidi, Giulia Gregnanin, Alessandro Monaci, Matteo Trevisani.
  • Centers documented: Bagni Pubblici di Via Agliè (Turin), Cre.Zi. Plus (Palermo), Ex Fadda (San Vito dei Normanni), Ex Villaggio Eni (Borca di Cadore), Officine Culturali (Catania), Pollinaria (Civitella Casanova).
  • Spaces include converted factories, hydroelectric plants, mountain refuges, and public baths.
  • Book published by il Saggiatore, Milan, 2020, ISBN 9788842827108, €19.

Entities

Artists

  • Bertram Niessen
  • Federica Andreoni
  • Pierluigi Bizzini
  • Marco De Vidi
  • Giulia Gregnanin
  • Alessandro Monaci
  • Matteo Trevisani
  • Paolo Di Paolo
  • Claudia Durastanti
  • Andrea Gentile
  • Giacomo Giossi
  • Marilù Manta

Institutions

  • cheFare
  • il Saggiatore
  • Mibact
  • SIAE
  • Per Chi Crea
  • Bagni Pubblici di Via Agliè
  • Cre.Zi. Plus
  • Ex Fadda
  • Ex Villaggio Eni
  • Officine Culturali
  • Pollinaria
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Italy
  • Turin
  • Palermo
  • San Vito dei Normanni
  • Borca di Cadore
  • Catania
  • Civitella Casanova
  • Milan

Sources