San Lorenzo Art District (SALAD) Launches in Rome with Online Portal

A new art district, Sa.L.A.D. (San Lorenzo Art District), has been established in Rome's San Lorenzo neighborhood, spearheaded by curator Tommaso Zijno and artist Alessandro Calizza. The initiative aims to map and promote the area's dense concentration of artist studios, galleries, and cultural spaces through a dedicated online portal launching in March 2021. The district is defined by three landmarks—the Monumental Cemetery of Verano, the University City (La Sapienza), and the Aurelian Walls—and has historically been a hub for artists since the 1970s, when the 'Gruppo San Lorenzo' operated from the Pastificio Cerere (now a foundation). The project is supported by the M.L.A.C. (Museo Laboratorio di Arte Contemporanea) at La Sapienza University, which will involve students in mapping and promotion. Partnerships include Yogurt Magazine and the Charta photo book festival, hosted at Paper Room bookstore. The founders envision future international exchanges with other art districts, such as Shongzuan in Beijing.