Matera 2019: Gardentopia, lunar events, and Zyz garden installation

Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, hosts a weekend of events blending art, nature, and lunar themes. The Gardentopia project, curated by Pelin Tan, involves 18 artists working on 32 community gardens across Basilicata. A residency by architecture and landscape group Volumezero runs until July 14 at Lavello's Villa Comunale, focusing on minimal environmental impact. From July 15 to September 10, the Belvedere of Parco della Murgia Materana features 'Il Giardino di Zyz,' the largest contemporary art installation of Matera 2019, by Venetian artist Gianfranco Meggiato: a sculpture path within a 26x20 meter area marked by 5,000 sacks in seven peace colors forming a hand shape. A 'Lunar Week' from July 15 to 24 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, with events including a multimedia performance by Brian Eno on July 18 at Cava del Sole. The program also includes book presentations, film screenings, and city installations themed around the moon.