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History belongs to those whose stories are told. Until April 20, 2022, writers in Florence and farther afield are invited to send their submissions – stories, poems, reflections and sketches – as a tribute to women artists they admire, past and present.
March 15 to April 30
Summissions open
A selection of stories, poems and essays will become part of a 'wearable' story-based sculpture stitched together, literally and symbolically, by Australian performance artist and writer Marisa Garreffa. Writer submissions are to form the backbone of an original spoken-word performance debuting on opening and closing nights of the 'Bridges' book art exhibition Il Palmerino Cultural Association, Via del Palmerino 6, Florence (6.30pm, May 5 and June 5). For more details or to send submissions: sotto@britishinstitute.it.
Marisa Garreffa at work, stitching a sculpture of community stories
"The sculpture will be wearable, because, as long as we live, the body itself is a library of stories," the Florence-based Australian artist says. "To dress the body in these stories is to put the archive of history in conversation with the present." A selection of the poems, stories and essays submitted in this 'call for writers' will be included in the Oltrarno Gaze 2022 catalogue, by the Florentine Press (June 2022).
Il Palmerino's small amphiteatre awaits Marisa Garreffa's book art performance
"Stitching Artists into History" forms part of 'Oltrarno Gaze 2022' cultural programme, organised by The British Institute of Florence and Il Palmerino Cultural Association. The call is conceived and organised in collaboration with 'Sotto al British', the British Institute's new venue for contemporary creativity in Florence. The aim of 'Oltrarno Gaze 2022' is to spotlight modern-day art and artisanship from the Florentine district, whilst exploring its connection to historic women artists of the past. It is made possible thanks to a grant by the Advancing Women Artists Legacy Fund, with special thanks to Alice Vogler, Donna Malin, Connie Clark, Pam Fortune, Nancy Hunt, Nancy Galliher and AWA Legacy Fund Director Margaret MacKinnon.
Project conception and coordination
Linda Falcone
Media and communication
Calliope Arts / Restoration Conversations
The Florentine
With the patronage of
Consulate of the United States of America in Florence
Participating partners 'Sotto al British' at the British Institute of Florence, Gruppo Fotografico Il Cupolone APS, 'Creative People in Florence', Freya's Florence, Amalia Ciardi Duprè Museum, Atelier degli Artigianelli and Spazio NOTA with Osservatorio Mestieri d'Arte