Mario Cristiani on Arte all'Arte's 30th Anniversary and Future Plans

Mario Cristiani, president of Associazione Arte Continua and co-founder of Galleria Continua, discusses the association's upcoming activities in 2026, which coincide with the 30th anniversary of Arte all'Arte, a project that placed site-specific works in the Val d'Elsa region. The anniversary is not a celebration but an opportunity to rethink public art's role in connecting global and local communities. On November 22-23, 2025, the association will hold Giornate per l'Arte Contemporanea, including a fundraiser for 2026 projects such as a Leandro Erlich exhibition at UMoCA in Colle di Val d'Elsa. Cristiani emphasizes the model of artists acting as commissioners, reversing traditional patronage, and the importance of non-profit work. He cites influences like Edward Goldsmith and Jerry Mander's 'Glocalismo' and Samir Amin's self-centered development. The association has produced over 40 permanent works and now focuses on urban reforestation, education, and projects in fragile contexts like Sollicciano prison. Cristiani criticizes bureaucratic hurdles, such as a new circular requiring associations to send requests to the ministry instead of prison directors. He argues that art can foster long-term thinking and species consciousness, contrasting with AI and market-driven approaches. The interview was conducted by Caterina Angelucci for Artribune.