Milan's STRAF Hotel Launches Publishing Imprint for Emerging Writers

STRAF, the Milan hotel and bar that opened in 2004, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by launching STRAF HUB, a creative incubator. The first initiative, STRAFTellers, transforms the hotel into a publisher of emerging writers. In collaboration with LINO, an independent literature festival founded by writers Matteo B. Bianchi and Marco Rossari, STRAF will host one emerging writer per month until the end of 2024. Each writer stays two days and produces an original short story inspired by the hotel's atmosphere, published in print and digital formats. The series begins in May with Riccardo D'Aquila, author of "Photo Graphia." Future participants include Monica Acita, Mohamed Maalel, Gianmarco Perale, Stella Poli, and Marta Cai. The hotel was originally designed by architect Vincenzo De Cotiis as an artistic installation, using materials referencing Arte Povera and industrial elements. Every room features De Cotiis's artworks and custom furnishings. The STRAFbar, a city landmark, incorporates vintage pieces and custom elements. The project is led by Sarah Mancino, who now runs STRAF alongside her mother Daniela Bertazzoni and uncle Gerardo Bertazzoni. In autumn, STRAF HUB will launch a visual arts initiative.