The Manifattura: Summer Art, Cinema & Music

The artists featured in the current Manifattura Tabacchi show “Meraviglia” (Wonder)

The former state-owned tobacco factory Manifattura Tabacchi will open its newly renovated spaces to the public until September 13. Located near the Cascine Park and piazza Puccini, the industrial space consists of 16 buildings of rationalist architecture of the 1930s that have been renovated into gardens filled with plants, trees, flowers, and ponds. The factory closed in 2001 after 70 years of operation but reopened in 2018 as a new urban center which will turn into a hub for art, cinema, and music this summer and beyond. 

The future of the factory, and Florence in general, includes a sprawling creative laboratory where there will be interdisciplinary activities open to all. Not A Museum (NAM) is Manifattura’’s new platform to celebrate the intersection between contemporary art, science, and community. Referred to as a Renaissance space, NAM is dedicated to experimentation and artistic production, inviting artists to respond to urgent questions about the environment. June 24 was the inauguration of artist Andreco’s work “Arno — Imaginary Topography,” which extends over 350 square meters of the factor’s property. 

Manifattura has launched a new show titled “Wonder” (Meraviglia), a summer highlight which will conclude July 26. “Wonder” includes photography, painting, sculpture, drawing and video works created by the following six international artists currently in residence at the factory: Davide D’Amelio (Italy), Anna Dormio (Italy), Bekhbaatar Enkhtur (Mongolia), Esma Ilter (Turkey), Giulia Poppi (Italy) and Negar Sh (Iran).

In addition to the “Wonder” exhibition, the Manifattura is collaborating with the TOAST Project Space to host AOSTA Publishing, a project titled “Dexter from Giacomo Montanelli” curated by Maria Cecilia Cirillo and Stefano Giuri. Meanwhile, artist Tomàs Saraceno presents his show “Aria in Manifattura,” open Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10 am to 8 pm and Monday to Friday by reservation until November 1. Saraceno’s exhibition, the product of a collaboration between Manifattura Tabacchi and Palazzo Strozzi, will depict the intersection between art, science, and the Aerocene Explorer Backpack — a flight starter kit. To make a reservation, contact the following email address: info@manifatturatabacchi.com. 

Last year, the artistic laboratory was the protagonist of several Florentine summer festivals, collaborating with Florence Folks Festival in the Puccini theater, as well as with Michael Nyman in his work “Nyman’s Earthquakes per Firence Suona Contemporaneo.” But these collaborations will not be possible this summer due to the uncertainties regarding financial support and health regulations. Instead, NAM will host sound narratives by Radio Papesse, artist Alessio de Girolamo, the collective Phase, and the poetry group Fumofonico, as well as the dance group Attivisti della Danza. 

There will also be live music at the Manifattura Tabacchi including evenings dedicated to jazz and classic music, as well as collaborations with the Music School of Fiesole and DJ nights with well known Florentine artists. The former factory will collaborate with the Stenson Foundation to host film screenings and events focused on current issues. 

Similar to the Anconella Garden, the Manifattura Tabacchi will coordinate a free science workshop by reservation titled “The Elements of Nature” for children ages 6 to eleven. There will be two meetings to discuss Earth, two on air, and two workshops for water. Spaces are limited and you can register on the website or email info@manifatturatabacchi.com. Each workshop will take place every Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 pm through August 4. 

Also similar to the garden, the Manifattura will open multiple cafes and restaurants so visitors may enjoy something to eat or drink while complying with safety regulations. The Bulli & Balene bistro will be open for the summer, as well as a new green bar curated by Soul Kitchen — a restaurant known for its local and sustainable ingredients. 

The walled citadel will become a new historic center where stories are shared, and contemporary art and craftsmanship is highlighted, all the while complying with COVID regulations. Visitors will have their temperatures taken and there will be a 500 person capacity in the space, in addition to other strengthened hygiene and cleaning measures. Admission, however, is free. To learn more about what the Manifattura Tabacchi will be offering this summer, check out their calendar.  (elizabeth berry)