Villa Lena Foundation Curatorial Open Call

Villa Lena Foundation Curator Residency August 26 – November 4

The Villa Lena Foundation is a not for profit organization dedicated to supporting international contemporary artists, curators and creatives working in art, music, film, literature, fashion and other creative disciplines and fostering opportunities for multi-disciplinary dialogue. Located in the wild Tuscan countryside, but only an hour away from the beautiful and culturally rich cities of Florence and Pisa, the Villa Lena Estate sits within five hundred hectares of woodland, rugged hills, olive groves and vineyards. Collaboration and exchange are founding principles of the Foundation, and curators will take part in weekly events, open studios and live in the Villa at the center of the estate.

The residency proposes the opportunity for a curator to research and engage with themes related to Villa Lena, with a focus on the unique environment of the residency and rural site that includes a farm to table restaurant, flower garden and olive groves. The selected curator will work dynamically with artists onsite at Villa Lena, and is invited to propose experimental curatorial approaches to working within the residency framework and with the collection during the course of the 2 month placement. All residencies co-exists on the Villa Lena Estate with the Villa Lena Hotel, restaurant and agricultural domain. Please check the Villa Lena Foundation website for more details and FAQ

Who is the residency for?

Curators of all ages, with at least a postgraduate level in Curatorial studies or similar, OR a strong track record of exhibitions and events for at least 5 years–preferably with international experience

Curators with existing network within the Italian art community and knowledge of the emerging European scene, aiming to deepen relationships in Tuscany/Italy

Curators working on themes related to sustainability, cross-disciplinary practices, residency sites and rural/artisanal topics

Curators who enjoy working in a unique environment with artists, creatives and diverse people and who thrive in situations where flexibility and resourcefulness are critical to success

This residency programme provides opportunities for international curators to:

Connect in person with 2 cohorts of artists over the residency period

Undertake research, studio visits and participate in Villa Lena Foundation work, including access to the collection and art storage

Connect with the Tuscan and Italian art scene

Develop a curatorial project to maximize the artistic resources of Villa Lena Foundation, with the support of the Foundation team, all onsite Tuscany

A letter of recommendation is required as part of the application.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ARE PROVIDED WITH:

A €2500 stipend ( that includes travel cost )

Opportunity to take part in studio visits and attend Foundation events coinciding with their stay.

Accommodation is a private bedroom in the 19th century Villa which is at the heart of the estate. The majority of rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities though some residents will share a bathroom.

Meals will be at the Villa Lena restaurant which operates a farm-to-table concept, with fresh ingredients grown in the vegetable gardens or sourced from local producers. Artists are provided with breakfast and dinner five times a week, either at the San Michele restaurant where artists have an allocated table or at the Villa.

Workspace is provided in villa or elsewhere on the grounds

Administrative Support from the Foundation team

Transfers to and from station on days of arrival and departure, transfer to and from stations for meetings and planned trips as agreed.

Co Living- Residency, Hotel, Restaurant and Events. Villa Lena is a multifaceted place that brings together many projects and people working side by side and in collaboration. As Curator in residence onsite you will be part of the Villa Lena project and will interact with the different elements and people who make everything possible.