Civitella Ranieri residency celebrates 25 years with 'Casting the Castle'

On June 30, 2018, the Civitella Ranieri Foundation in Umbertide, Italy, presents 'Casting the Castle,' a project curated by Saverio Verini that includes a site-specific exhibition and a performance by Roberto Fassone. The exhibition, spread throughout the 11th-century castle, features works from the foundation's collection—donated by past fellows such as William Kentridge, Mark Dion, Martha Rosler, Mark Strand, Geoff Dyer, Kate Tempest, Pauline Oliveros, and Jóhann Jóhannsson. Fassone's performance, 'Solo una di queste storie è vera,' offers a surreal guided tour blending fiction and plausibility. The event marks the lead-up to the foundation's 25th anniversary in 2019, as announced by director Dana Prescott. Founded in 1995 by American patron Ursula Corning, the residency has hosted nearly 1,000 visual artists, writers, and composers from 101 countries for six-week fellowships. The foundation's library, built largely from fellow donations including Mark Strand's entire book collection, now holds over 10,000 volumes. Selection is through a nomination and jury process, with fellows receiving travel, board, and lodging. Future plans include celebrating the 25th anniversary by honoring the fellows and their global impact.