Vito Planeta, Sicilian Winemaker and Art Patron, Dies at 57

Vito Planeta, the Sicilian wine entrepreneur and philanthropist who merged viticulture with contemporary art through the itinerant artist residency 'Viaggio in Sicilia', has died at 57. A scion of the Planeta wine dynasty, he revitalized the family business while championing cultural projects across Sicily. The residency, curated by Valentina Bruschi, invited Italian and international artists to explore the island's landscapes and wineries, culminating in exhibitions at venues like Museo Salinas and Palazzo Abatellis in Palermo. Planeta also supported the Sciaranuova Festival, a theater event on Mount Etna, and Radiceterna, a permanent library at the Orto Botanico's Calidarium. He fostered close ties with artists such as Vanessa Beecroft and Claire Fontaine, who created a site-specific work dedicated to Ettore Majorana at the Sciaranuova estate. His funeral will be held on February 21, 2023, at 10 AM in Palermo's Church of San Pietro e Paolo.