CASTRO: New Rome Studio Program for Artists and Curators Under 40
A new contemporary art initiative called CASTRO (Contemporary Art STudios ROma) has popped up in Rome's Trastevere area. Founded by Gaia Di Lorenzo, this nonprofit association, GIGANT, offers free studio space to five artists and one curator under 40, selected through an international jury. Applications must be submitted by September 5. The focus is on research instead of production, with no exhibitions planned; instead, they will host full-day critique sessions, tutorials, studio visits, and public events like screenings and conferences. The venue, located at Piazza dei Ponziani, covers 300 square meters over two levels. The 2018 jury includes notable names, and winners will be announced in late September, with the program starting in early November. Di Lorenzo aims to support emerging artists in Italy by fostering experimentation and global connections.
Key facts
- CASTRO (Contemporary Art STudios ROma) is a new studio program in Rome.
- Located in Trastevere at Piazza dei Ponziani, 300 sqm over two levels.
- Founded by artist Gaia Di Lorenzo via nonprofit association GIGANT.
- Offers free studios to up to 5 artists and 1 curator under 40 per year.
- Application deadline: September 5, 2018.
- Jury: Michael Archer, Will Benedict, Barbara Casavecchia, Maria Adele Del Vecchio, Alberto Di Fabio, John O'Doherty.
- Winners announced late September; program starts early November.
- No exhibitions; focuses on CRITS, studio visits, and public events.
- Funded through liberal donations from private and corporate patrons.
- Di Lorenzo studied at Goldsmiths, London and University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Entities
Artists
- Gaia Di Lorenzo
- Michael Archer
- Will Benedict
- Barbara Casavecchia
- Maria Adele Del Vecchio
- Alberto Di Fabio
- John O'Doherty
Institutions
- CASTRO
- GIGANT
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- University of Rome Tor Vergata
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Trastevere
- Piazza dei Ponziani
- London
- United Kingdom