ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Fondazione Merloni and Censis Discuss Post-Earthquake Reconstruction in Central Italy

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-05

Between July 20 and 22, 2017, the Fondazione Merloni convened its annual meeting across Portonovo, Fabriano, and San Ginesio, with a focus on rebuilding after the earthquake and regional development. Notable participants included Francesco Merloni, Enrico Letta, and Irina Bokova. A discussion on the Censis analysis regarding the "Rinasco" project, aimed at medium-term progress, took place, alongside the establishment of a first-aid station in San Ginesio. This town was also chosen for a new urban agenda centered on creative regeneration. Conferences featured Romano Prodi, while Bokova toured Fabriano and San Ginesio with Minister Franceschini and Prime Minister Gentiloni. As a UNESCO Creative City since 2013, Fabriano is set to host the 13th Creative Cities meeting in 2019. The Fondazione commissioned Rossella Vasta's installation "Omphalos-Terrae Motus," representing hope.

Key facts

  • Meeting held July 20-22, 2017 in Portonovo, Fabriano, and San Ginesio, Marche, Italy.
  • Attendees included Francesco Merloni, Enrico Letta, and Irina Bokova.
  • Discussed reconstruction after August 2016 earthquake and Censis 'Rinasco' project.
  • First-aid point established in San Ginesio; e-distribution (ENEL) and Ericsson mapped criticalities.
  • San Ginesio chosen for creative regeneration urban agenda aligned with HABITAT III and 2030 UCR.
  • Conferences on Europe's destiny and Trump's presidency with Prodi, Letta, de Bortoli, Gros.
  • Culture Minister Franceschini accompanied Bokova to Fabriano on July 21; Bokova visited San Ginesio with PM Gentiloni on July 22.
  • Fabriano is a UNESCO Creative City (craftsmanship) and will host 2019 Creative Cities meeting.
  • In 2018, Hermitage Museum will lend Canova's 'Amore e Psiche' to Fabriano; wooden copy survived earthquake.
  • Rossella Vasta commissioned to create installation 'Omphalos-Terrae Motus' for the occasion.

Entities

Artists

  • Antonio Canova
  • Rossella Vasta

Institutions

  • Fondazione Merloni
  • Censis
  • UNESCO
  • ENEL
  • Ericsson
  • Hermitage Museum
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Portonovo
  • Fabriano
  • San Ginesio
  • Marche
  • Italy
  • Central Italy
  • Apennine
  • Delfi

Sources