RoMa Bottega d'Arte: Contemporary Craft and Community in Foggia
In Foggia, siblings Francesca and Davide Roberto have opened RoMa, an atelier of contemporary art that combines an exhibition space with a workshop. The project was made possible by the PIN initiative of the Youth Policies of the Puglia Region. Francesca Roberto, who studied at an art institute and has a background in reproducing great works, decided to create a space that promotes local artisans rather than simply replicating famous artists. The name RoMa derives from the initials of their parents' surnames, Roberto and Maggi. The atelier currently features jewelry from the Palì line by Licia and Patrizia Maggi. The logo, with small yellow, red, green, and blue spots, references Miró's canvases. Beyond retail, RoMa aims to revive traditional craftsmanship, which Francesca believes is being lost as art institutes are transformed into high schools. She plans to organize workshops open to all, focusing on techniques like mosaic, to preserve and pass on these skills. The space is located at Via Arpi 17 in Foggia.
Key facts
- RoMa is an atelier of contemporary art in Foggia, opened by siblings Francesca and Davide Roberto.
- The project was funded by the PIN initiative of the Youth Policies of the Puglia Region.
- Francesca Roberto chose to stay in Foggia despite offers to move north or to London.
- The name RoMa comes from the initials of the parents' surnames: Roberto and Maggi.
- The atelier includes an exhibition space and a workshop with two large tables.
- Currently, the atelier sells jewelry from the Palì line by Licia and Patrizia Maggi.
- The logo features colored spots referencing Miró's paintings.
- Francesca plans to organize workshops on traditional crafts like mosaic to counteract the loss of manual skills in art education.
Entities
Artists
- Francesca Roberto
- Davide Roberto
- Licia Maggi
- Patrizia Maggi
- Joan Miró
Institutions
- RoMa Bottega d'Arte
- Regione Puglia
- Politiche Giovanili della Regione Puglia
- PIN
- Artribune
Locations
- Foggia
- Puglia
- Italy
- Via Arpi 17, Foggia