Laboratorio Formentini: Milan's Publishing Hub Renews for a Decade

Key facts

• Laboratorio Formentini per l'editoria is located at Via Marco Formentini 10, in the Brera district of Milan.
• The space is within the former Canonica of the Church of San Carpoforo, a 9th-century church remodeled in the 16th century.
• The architectural renovation was designed by Alterstudio Partners.
• The space was granted by the Comune di Milano – Assessorato alla Cultura under the Copy in Milan project (2014–2016).
• Copy in Milan was promoted by Mibact, Maeci, the Centro per il libro e la lettura, Regione Lombardia, and Fondazione Cariplo.
• The Laboratorio has been managed by the Fondazione Arnoldo e Alberto Mondadori since 2015.
• In late May 2024, the Fondazione Mondadori won a 10-year concession renewal.
• The annual concession fee is €20,000, excluding maintenance.
• Giacomo Papi has been head of the Laboratorio since 2021.
• Papi was director of the Scuola di Scrittura Belleville from 2017 to 2020.
• Milan joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Literature in 2017.
• The Laboratorio offers courses in writing, reading, graphic design, and publishing for interpreters, translators, illustrators, and booksellers.
• Future plans include exhibitions, participation in Bookcity, and topical meetings.