NOVA Association Launches in Bologna to Promote Contemporary Art

A new cultural association called NOVA – Nuova Officina delle Visioni Artistiche has been established in Bologna, founded in February 2025 by Chiara Regazzi (president), Giacomo Dondi, and Carla Finelli. The association aims to promote contemporary art, support emerging generations, and foster creative dialogues between arts, communities, and territories. NOVA made its national debut with the exhibition "Ritratti senza tempo" at Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence, running from July 30 to October 28, 2025. The show features portraits by Florentine photographer Rossano B. Maniscalchi of figures including Rita Levi Montalcini, Barack Obama, Dario Fo, Fernanda Pivano, and Arnaldo Pomodoro, juxtaposed with ancient marbles from the palace's collection. The exhibition explores memory, identity, vanity, power, and glory through the dialogue between classical and contemporary art. NOVA organized the Florence show in collaboration with The Hearing Eyes association and with support from Fondazione MUS.E. Future plans include creative writing workshops in anti-violence centers and shelters for minors, a short film award for young productions, and securing a permanent space in Bologna, ideally with a small theater for performing arts.