Francesco Manacorda Resigns as Artistic Director of V-A-C Foundation Over Ukraine War
Francesco Manacorda, artistic director of the V-A-C Foundation since 2017, has resigned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Italian-born curator, who previously led Tate Liverpool and Artissima, cited the impossibility of remaining indifferent to the tragic events. V-A-C Foundation, established in Moscow in 2009 by Leonid Mikhelson and Teresa Iarocci Mavica, supports transdisciplinary experimentation. Its Venetian venue at Palazzo Zattere has suspended activities, while GES-2 House of Culture in Moscow, a former power plant renovated by Renzo Piano, remains open. Manacorda emphasized the need to avoid ostracizing Russian artists and cultural workers, and stated that cultural dialogue can only resume when non-violent relations between nations are restored.
Key facts
- Francesco Manacorda resigned as artistic director of V-A-C Foundation in March 2022.
- He had held the position since 2017, previously directing Tate Liverpool and Artissima.
- V-A-C Foundation was founded in Moscow in 2009 by Leonid Mikhelson and Teresa Iarocci Mavica.
- The foundation's Venetian venue at Palazzo Zattere suspended activities after the invasion.
- GES-2 House of Culture in Moscow, renovated by Renzo Piano, did not close.
- Manacorda stated it is impossible to work on cultural projects during such a tragic moment.
- He called for not ostracizing Russian artists and cultural workers.
- The interview was conducted by Arianna Testino for Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Manacorda
- Leonid Mikhelson
- Teresa Iarocci Mavica
- Renzo Piano
- Arianna Testino
Institutions
- V-A-C Foundation
- Tate Liverpool
- Artissima
- Palazzo Zattere
- GES-2 House of Culture
- RPBW
- CSAR
- Ermitage Italia
- Artribune
Locations
- Moscow
- Russia
- Venice
- Italy
- Liverpool
- Ukraine