Tuscany, as a region with an unbelievably rich cultural and artistic heritage is, unsurprisingly, home to many palaces, art museums, civic museums, churches, and religious collections that stuffed full of extraordinary works of art from throughout history. However, in addition to the old, the region also celebrates the new in contemporary art galleries and various other kinds of art spaces and the art scene is still very much alive and well. So, if you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany and you are interested in art, then be sure to seek out these newer institutions as well to dive into the current art scene and to experience it in real time for yourself! If you were considering a villa with pool in Lucca, in particular, and you are interested in more recent artistic innovations and practices, then you should definitely head to the ARKAD Foundation.
Located in the town of Seravezza, in an old marble sawmill across from the Medici Palace in town, the ARKAD Fondazione, or ARKAD Foundation, is a wonderful intercultural centre that promotes the creation of art and the spread of culture. Nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Versilia plain, this little town is an impossibly scenic part of the world – think lush hillsides covered in trees, towering peaks, verdant valleys swathed in morning fog, a silver river slicing through the town, and pretty streets lined with stone buildings and palm trees - and it seems fitting, therefore, that it is home to a space producing beautiful and fascinating works of art.
Located in the town of Seravezza, in an old marble sawmill across from the Medici Palace in town, the ARKAD Fondazione, or ARKAD Foundation, is a wonderful intercultural centre that promotes the creation of art and the spread of culture. Nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Versilia plain, this little town is an impossibly scenic part of the world – think lush hillsides covered in trees, towering peaks, verdant valleys swathed in morning fog, a silver river slicing through the town, and pretty streets lined with stone buildings and palm trees - and it seems fitting, therefore, that it is home to a space producing beautiful and fascinating works of art.
Founded in 2002, this non-profit organisation is maintained via annual memberships and organises exhibitions, events, professional training for artists, and more to promote artistic projects and help sculptors in creating works of art. The beautiful space of the ARTCO Studio, meanwhile, in the surroundings of the former sawmill, makes for the perfect place to offer all of the various services that the organisation sponsors and to showcase works of art in an atmospheric and unique setting. In addition to the exhibition space in the basement that runs in parallel to the river, the building also houses: a large workshop in the centre of the building where monumental sculptures can be created; studies dedicated to the creation of smaller pieces; three apartments for artists who are invited to take part in the live-in residency program; a students' residence; offices for the organisation; and a meeting room with a library.
Throughout the years, various concerts, musical performances, special guest lectures by artists, and more have been hosted on the premises in addition to the art exhibitions that regularly take place. Past exhibitions have been based around themes such as a connection with Taiwanese art and artists, art and robotics, Istanbul as depicted by its child residents, and more. The upcoming exhibition soon to be on display in the ARKAD Foundation was previewed via videoconference connecting Italy and Hong Kong on July 24th. Called, “Fusion,” the exhibition is based on cultural exchange between Italy and China in the name of sculpture and will showcase the work of artists Francesca Bernardini Flavia Robalo, Jake Cartwright, Aurélien Boussin, Lorenzo Vignoli, Danny Lee Chin Fai, Yaman Chau Yuen Yuen, Ho Yuen Leung, Margaret Chu Cheuk Wai, and Violet Shum Ka Wai.
Always utterly engaging and endlessly interesting and set within the most truly beautiful and inspiring of surroundings, the ARKAD Foundation is an ideal place to go to experience contemporary art while in Italy if you are an art-lover who has found a vacation rental in Lucca and you are planning on spending time in this lovely part of Tuscany.
Throughout the years, various concerts, musical performances, special guest lectures by artists, and more have been hosted on the premises in addition to the art exhibitions that regularly take place. Past exhibitions have been based around themes such as a connection with Taiwanese art and artists, art and robotics, Istanbul as depicted by its child residents, and more. The upcoming exhibition soon to be on display in the ARKAD Foundation was previewed via videoconference connecting Italy and Hong Kong on July 24th. Called, “Fusion,” the exhibition is based on cultural exchange between Italy and China in the name of sculpture and will showcase the work of artists Francesca Bernardini Flavia Robalo, Jake Cartwright, Aurélien Boussin, Lorenzo Vignoli, Danny Lee Chin Fai, Yaman Chau Yuen Yuen, Ho Yuen Leung, Margaret Chu Cheuk Wai, and Violet Shum Ka Wai.
Always utterly engaging and endlessly interesting and set within the most truly beautiful and inspiring of surroundings, the ARKAD Foundation is an ideal place to go to experience contemporary art while in Italy if you are an art-lover who has found a vacation rental in Lucca and you are planning on spending time in this lovely part of Tuscany.
