Isabella Vitale's pianobi: A Dual Space for Art and Research in Rome's Quadraro Vecchio

Isabella Vitale, an art historian and curator, founded pianobi in Rome's Quadraro Vecchio neighborhood in June 2023. The name 'pianobi' reflects its dual nature: 'bi' stands for both studio and exhibition space, as well as research and atelier. Vitale's background includes studies at the Sorbonne and the Accademia di Belle Arti in Paris, and a degree in contemporary art history from La Sapienza University in Rome (2015). She previously worked as a gallery assistant at the Galerie Française on Piazza Navona. Pianobi operates as a residency program where artists live and work, culminating in public presentations of their research. The space distinguishes itself by fostering direct relationships with artists and providing intellectual and practical support. Notable collaborations include Ante Operam (2022) at Palazzo Marescalchi Belli, and Palazzo Farnese Contemporary (2023) at the French Embassy, featuring local and French artists from Villa Medici. Pianobi has also partnered with the Institut français Italia for the Nouveau Grand Tour (2023, 2024), the Centre d'Arts Visuels de Lille, the Biblioteca Hertziana for Rome Contemporary, and Villa Medici for the Mappa della Roma Contemporanea. Future plans include expanding international collaborations and working with students from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris and RUFA. Currently, the exhibition 'Una collettiva personale' runs until May 2025, featuring 31 works by artists who have collaborated with pianobi.