Electa Launches Fondazione Fondamenta for Arts and Culture on Its 80th Anniversary

Italian art publisher Electa, founded in Florence in 1945 by Bernard Berenson, is establishing a new foundation named Fondazione Fondamenta to mark its 80th anniversary. The foundation takes its name from Fondamenta, a festival created by writer Daniele Del Giudice (who died in 2021) and held in Venice from 1999 to 2003, which blended high-profile cultural debate with performances. The foundation aims to promote art and culture education through inclusive, multidisciplinary initiatives. Presidency is held by Rosanna Cappelli, Electa's CEO, and direction by Carlotta Branzanti. The board includes Annapaola Negri-Clementi, Ernesto Franco, Guido Guerzoni, and Enrico Selva. The foundation will develop educational projects, cultural festivals, and new forms of storytelling, including digital, to engage younger generations. It will also collaborate with local entities and major Italian centers to promote territorial knowledge and visitation models inspired by Luigi Ghirri's 'Viaggio in Italia' (1984). The launch is accompanied by a website and the first issue of FM. Fondamenta Magazine, featuring contributions from Chiara Alessi, Gabriele Pedullà, Vanessa Roghi, Silvia Bencivelli, and Giulia Cavaliere. The idea for the foundation emerged during the 2020 lockdown, as a way to expand beyond traditional publishing and exhibition activities. First projects are scheduled for 2025, coinciding with Electa's 80th anniversary.