MADE Program is the brand new project of the “Rosario Gagliardi” Academy of Fine Arts. The Cologni Foundation for the Métiers d’Art takes part in “Made Labs”, the first summer courses scheduled to take place from 24 to 31 July 2017 in Syracuse (Sicily).
In this first edition, curated by Studio Formafantasma and Moncada Rangel Architects, 24 prominent designers, architects and artists coming from all over the world hold eight days of workshops and lectures. The theme for 2017 is “Autenti-city (or the Unesco paradox)”, stimulating talks about authenticity and cultural heritage between design, architecture, arts, crafts, traditions and local culture.
Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin of Studio Formafantasma curated the section dedicated to design: “For us, Made Labs and our involvement in the Man Made course of the MADE Program is a great opportunity to create a place to discuss about design and architecture in Sicily. These initiatives demonstrate how, in a globalised world, critical thinking can (and should) grow far from major urban centres. Thus the peripheral dimension becomes the ideal observation point and the apparent isolation proves to be essential to the development of independent ideas."
Francesco Moncada and Mafalda Rangel of Moncada Rangel Architects curated the section dedicated to architecture: “Syracuse is listed in the Unesco World Heritage sites since 2005 for its cultural, architectural and artistic historical value. Just like other places in the world, Syracuse is currently dealing with the inevitable paradox of the museumification of the historical centre of Ortigia and the survival of its own authenticity. Being a new hot spot for innovative knowledge, Made Labs hopes to contribute to the development of Sicily’s territory by providing alternative solutions to what seems to be the most relevant question for south-eastern Sicily: how can design and architecture support the strategies that keep in balance the authenticity of Syracuse? Bringing together more than twenty creative minds, Made Labs is aimed at suggesting visionary and simple projects for the future of this area.”
The Cologni Foundation together with Studio Formafantasma and Sam Jacob Studio runs one of the evening lectures on 28 July.
www.madelabs.it