Lastation, Puglia art space faces eviction amid dispute with Ferrovie del Sud Est
Lastation, a nonprofit art space in Gagliano del Capo, Puglia, is facing eviction after five years of operation. Founded by Paolo Mele and Luca Coclite, it occupies a former train station at the southeastern tip of Italy. The lease with Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) is supposed to end on November 9, 2020, but FSE wants it back earlier, claiming safety and hygiene issues for their staff. Mele is skeptical about their motives, noting that similar sites are also under threat. A meeting on October 22, 2020, with Loredana Capone and regional officials led to a site inspection on October 27. Mele proposed using a nearby empty building, but FSE has other plans for it. This situation highlights broader concerns about managing public properties in Puglia, where many abandoned stations exist. Lastation showcases over 50 pieces from various artists, and Mele emphasizes the need for communication and vision in reviving neglected areas.
Key facts
- Lastation is a nonprofit contemporary art space in Gagliano del Capo, Puglia, founded five years ago by Paolo Mele and Luca Coclite.
- The space occupies a disused railway station at Italy's southeasternmost point.
- Ferrovie del Sud Est requested the property back early, citing safety and hygiene needs, allegedly for staff changing rooms.
- The contract expires November 9, 2020; the original concession was for six years.
- A meeting on October 22, 2020, involved Loredana Capone, FSE, and regional authorities; a site inspection is set for October 27.
- Mele proposed managing a nearby abandoned three-story building, but FSE claimed other plans.
- Lastation's collection includes over 50 works by artists such as Carlos Casas, Emilio Vavarella, Andreco, Luca Coclite, Giuseppe De Mattia, Japoco Rinaldi, Elena Bellantoni, Elena Mazzi, and Riccardo Giacconi.
- The case reflects broader issues of public asset management in Puglia, with many disused railway properties.
Entities
Artists
- Paolo Mele
- Luca Coclite
- Carlos Casas
- Emilio Vavarella
- Andreco
- Giuseppe De Mattia
- Japoco Rinaldi
- Elena Bellantoni
- Elena Mazzi
- Riccardo Giacconi
- Lorenzo Madaro
Institutions
- Lastation
- Ramdom
- Ferrovie del Sud Est
- Regione Puglia
- Demanio
- Trasporto pubblico locale
- Artribune
Locations
- Gagliano del Capo
- Puglia
- Italy
- Brera
- Milan