Orsolina28 Art Foundation: A Village for Dance, Music, and Social Inclusion in Monferrato
Established in 2016 by Brazilian-American dancer Simony Monteiro, the Orsolina28 Art Foundation is a non-profit organization situated in Moncalvo, Asti, Italy, approximately 80 kilometers from Turin. Nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage site, it provides accommodations for artists, rehearsal facilities, a swimming pool, an open-air theater, and The Eye, created in collaboration with choreographer Ohad Naharin. The foundation prioritizes artistic development, education, and community involvement, achieving recognition as a third-sector entity in 2024. Its key initiatives include Focus on Creation for international choreographers, Call for Creation for emerging artists, and the Cherry Notes Series for musicians. Partnerships with groups like Fondazione Paideia and local schools highlight themes of nature, nutrition, and collective experiences.
Key facts
- Orsolina28 Art Foundation was founded in 2016 by Simony Monteiro.
- The foundation is located in Moncalvo, province of Asti, about 80 km from Turin, Italy.
- The estate is in the Monferrato hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014.
- The name Orsolina28 comes from the Ursuline nuns and the address at number 28 on Strada Caminate.
- The foundation includes The Eye, a covered performance space designed with choreographer Ohad Naharin.
- Focus on Creation residency program started in 2019; participants include Ballet BC, Jacob Jonas, Akram Khan, Juliano Nunes, Hofesh Shechter.
- Call for Creation, a residency for young artists, received 84 applications this year.
- Since 2024, Orsolina28 is a third-sector entity.
- The foundation collaborates with social organizations such as Fondazione Paideia, Fondazione Faro, Associazione Asai, Associazione Mosaico, Casa Oz, and the Regina Margherita Children's Hospital.
- Simony Monteiro trained at the School of American Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Entities
Artists
- Simony Monteiro
- Ohad Naharin
- Akram Khan
- Jacob Jonas
- Juliano Nunes
- Hofesh Shechter
- Mario Alberto Zambrano
- Medhi Walerski
- Sharon Eyal
- Teresa Reichl
Institutions
- Orsolina28 Art Foundation
- School of American Ballet
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- Ballet BC
- Flock
- Fondazione Paideia
- Fondazione Faro
- Associazione Asai
- Associazione Mosaico – Actions for Refugees
- Casa Oz
- Ospedale infantile Regina Margherita di Torino
- UNESCO
- Artribune
Locations
- Moncalvo
- Asti
- Turin
- Italy
- Monferrato
- Strada Caminate