FACTO: Art Coworking Revives Montelupo Fiorentino's Historic Center

FACTO – Fabbrica Creativa Toscana, a cultural coworking project launched in May 2018, has revitalized 1,500 square meters of Montelupo Fiorentino's historic center. Founded by artist Silvia Greco in 2017, FACTO occupies six buildings (two municipal, four private) including a former mill now housing a bistrot. The project offers coworking spaces, artist ateliers, offices for creatives, a photography studio, a training room, a gallery, and a B&B. It aims for self-sustainability through local collaborations: the bistrot serves zero-kilometer products, and local artisans handled renovations. On September 19, 2019, FACTO will host "Un motivo costante," an exhibition by Anna Capolupo curated by Christian Caliandro. Capolupo completed a three-week residency at FACTO, during which she transformed her painting style, creating three-dimensional works on mattresses sourced from local residents via a Facebook call. Caliandro also resided with the artist, emphasizing the importance of shared experience. FACTO was inspired by Farm Cultural Park in Favara, Sicily, and developed with support from Montelupo Fiorentino mayor Paolo Masetti. The team includes Sara Bandini (structure manager), Elena Janniello (communications), Idamaria Franco (Casa FACTO), Alessandro Scardigli (urban projects), and Francesco Ciaponi (training secretariat). The exhibition runs from September 19 to November 3, 2019 at Nuova Galleria FACTO, Via XX Settembre, 37.