ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Santarcangelo 2050's Final Act: Futuro Fantastico Explores Symbiotic Coexistence

festival-fair · 2026-04-27

Running from July 8 to 18, 2021, the final edition of Santarcangelo 2050, named Futuro Fantastico, takes place in Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italy. Under the direction of Enrico Casagrande and Daniela Nicolò from Motus, this festival emphasizes the themes of minority rights and symbiotic coexistence. The format, shaped by the pandemic, prioritizes care and attentive listening through a tentacular drammaturgy. Bestiari Fantastici features global artists tackling issues of climate crisis and decolonization. Notably, Taiwanese artist Betty Apple's AI-modified visage represents a barrier-free world. Interzone presents works from prominent figures like Romeo Castellucci and El Conde de Torrefiel. Nuove Alleanze invites community participation alongside young migrants, while How To Be Together, curated by Chiara Organtini, investigates new collective forms. Additionally, Accaventiquattro provides free workshops and events.

Key facts

  • Festival dates: July 8–18, 2021
  • Location: Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italy
  • Artistic directors: Enrico Casagrande and Daniela Nicolò of Motus
  • Theme: symbiotic coexistence and minority rights
  • Bestiari Fantastici section features artists from Latin America, Africa, and Asia
  • Betty Apple's AI-altered face is the festival manifesto image
  • Interzone includes Romeo Castellucci, Scott Gibbons, El Conde de Torrefiel, Rä Di Martino, Marie Losier
  • Mutonia celebrates 30 years with GHOST
  • Nuove Alleanze involves 50 young migrants and asylum seekers
  • How To Be Together is an eco-sustainable village for 50 students
  • Accaventiquattro offers free concerts curated by Christopher Angiolini

Entities

Artists

  • Enrico Casagrande
  • Daniela Nicolò
  • Betty Apple
  • Romeo Castellucci
  • Scott Gibbons
  • El Conde de Torrefiel
  • Rä Di Martino
  • Marie Losier
  • Chiara Organtini
  • Christopher Angiolini
  • Margherita Dellantonio

Institutions

  • Motus
  • Santarcangelo 2050
  • Industria Indipendente
  • Mutonia
  • GHOST
  • Teatro Magro
  • Cooperativa Sociale di Mantova
  • Babel Crew
  • Asinitas
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Santarcangelo di Romagna
  • Italy
  • Latin America
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Taiwan
  • Mantua
  • Palermo
  • Rome

Sources