Villa Lena: Tuscany's interdisciplinary artist residency and foundation

Villa Lena, a foundation and artist residency in Tuscany, was founded in 2013 by Lena Evstafieva, Jerome Hadey, and Lionel Bensemoun. The 1,300-hectare estate includes a 19th-century villa, boutique hotel, restaurant, and organic farm. The foundation promotes interdisciplinary exchange through residencies, events, and collaborations. Artists of all disciplines apply; an advisory board (Caroline Bourgeois, Barbara Casasola, Rafael de Cárdenas, Charlie Porter, RZA, Philippe Zdar) helps select residents. Residencies last one month (reduced from two in 2017). Artists donate works to the foundation's collection, which may be sold to fund future residents. The foundation also runs a music festival with Elita di Milano, local school programs (e.g., a 2015 mural by Daze), and plans a Kickstarter for limited-edition prints with Il Bisonte. In 2017, 55 residents were hosted. Notable alumni include Mercury Prize winner Benjamin Clementine, who wrote his album at Villa Lena. The foundation has no exhibition space but considers it. New director Lena Evstafieva and coordinator aim to expand international collaborations and engage local and academic communities.