ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sardinia's former mine becomes SCALA amphitheater and digital art museum

architecture-design · 2026-04-27

The SCALA cultural and recreational space has emerged from the Argentiera mining complex located near Sassari, Sardinia. This transformation involved over 100 volunteers who engaged in workshops to restore a 500-square-meter area under the MAR initiative. The project was a joint effort between artist Tellas (Fabio Schirru) and LandWorks, with backing from the Municipality of Sassari and other partners. Architect Andrea Maspero designed the amphitheater, which boasts a wooden framework and picturesque views. SCALA showcases digital art and will host exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Its opening program, MAREA, features complimentary events until September 21, 2022. SCALA has also received the Premio Creative Living Lab, with plans to develop “Discordia” into a cultural center.

Key facts

  • SCALA is a new public cultural space in the former Argentiera mining complex in Sassari province, Sardinia.
  • Over 100 volunteers participated in participatory construction workshops.
  • The project is part of MAR – Miniera ARgentiera | The Unlimited Place urban regeneration initiative.
  • SCALA was created by LandWorks association and artist Tellas (Fabio Schirru).
  • Supporters include Municipality of Sassari, Fondazione Sardegna Film Commission, DADU (UniSS), Sardegna Teatro, and BePart.
  • The amphitheater has a wooden structure designed by architect Andrea Maspero with pictorial interventions by Tellas.
  • SCALA hosts digital and augmented reality artworks forming an open-air digital art museum.
  • Inaugural program MAREA runs until September 21, 2022 as part of 'Sassari Estate'.
  • SCALA won the third edition of Premio Creative Living Lab.
  • Future plans include rehabilitating the former dairy 'Discordia' into a cultural hub.

Entities

Artists

  • Tellas (Fabio Schirru)
  • Andrea Maspero

Institutions

  • LandWorks
  • MAR – Miniera ARgentiera | The Unlimited Place
  • Comune di Sassari
  • Fondazione Sardegna Film Commission
  • DADU – Dipartimento di Architettura, Design e Urbanistica (UniSS)
  • Sardegna Teatro
  • BePart
  • Premio Creative Living Lab
  • DISSUF – Dipartimento di Storia, Scienze dell’Uomo e della Formazione (UniSS)

Locations

  • Argentiera
  • Sassari
  • Sardinia
  • Italy
  • Piazza Camillo Marchese

Sources