Sottogiudecca: New Contemporary Art Space Opens in Reggio Calabria

Sottogiudecca, a new 100-square-meter underground space dedicated to contemporary art, has opened in Reggio Calabria beneath the historic Galleria Toma (established 1912) at Via Giudecca 23. The venue, located opposite the escalator connecting the lower city to the hillside, was founded by sisters Marta Toma (b. 1985, independent critic and curator) and Giulia Toma (b. 1995, graphic designer and art director). The project was inspired by an encounter with artist Nico Vascellari and his IONOI initiative, which turned homes into performance stages during the pandemic. Sottogiudecca aims to function as a temporary autonomous zone, positioning itself beyond the Venice Biennale's parallel. Its inaugural exhibition, "ness_Transghost" by Venice-based artist and performer Rooy Charlie Lana, runs until July 28. The space will host a program of exhibitions, performances, and events, with plans for international residencies and open calls. Artworks range from €300 to €5,000, targeting new collectors. The initiative is part of MIRC (Movimento Indipendente Ricerche Contemporanee), a diffuse artistic project connecting Milan and Reggio Calabria. The city also hosts ABARC, an architecture faculty, and recent projects like Edoardo Tresoldi's Opera (2020) and the Biennale dello Stretto (2022).