Former Marble Factory in Puglia to Become Contemporary Art Center

The IMARFA industrial complex in Fasano, Italy, formerly used for marble and granite processing, is being transformed into a contemporary art center. The project, designed by Mimmo Palladino and promoted by the Fondazione San Domenico Onlus, will convert the existing buildings into 1,250 square meters of exhibition space and an outdoor area for concerts and live performances. The renovation was inaugurated with Michelangelo Pistoletto's light installation 'Love Difference', visible until October 20, 2024. The work was originally created in 2005 for Luci d'Artista in Turin and is part of Pistoletto's broader 'Love Difference – Artistic Movement for an Inter-Mediterranean Politics' project from 2002, which promotes respect and mutual understanding among different cultures. The installation also marks the G7 event. Additionally, Pistoletto created 'conTatto', a mirror work inspired by Michelangelo's Creation of Adam, which he donated to G7 participants. The work includes the book 'La Formula della Creazione', tracing the evolution of his artistic practice. Marisa Melpignano, president of the Fondazione San Domenico, stated that the project pursues the vision of Sergio Melpignano, who recognized the area's potential years ago. The foundation, which has collaborated with public and private institutions for over twenty years to promote research on Puglia's rupestrian settlements and environmental conservation, is now expanding its focus to contemporary arts.