UNIDEE Celebrates 25 Years of Artistic and Social Transformation

In 2024, Cittadellarte—Fondazione Pistoletto will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its renowned UNIDEE Residency Programs, a cornerstone in fostering artistic encounters and social transformation. Founded by the visionary Michelangelo Pistoletto in 1999, the UNIDEE programs have hosted thousands of artists and cultural professionals from over 52 countries, making significant strides in the realm of socially engaged art.

To honor this milestone, Cittadellarte will host a special event titled Ways of Becoming: 25 Years with UNIDEE from September 21 to December 6, 2024. The event will explore the evolution of artistic residencies as catalysts for social change, offering a mix of exhibitions, performances, and discussions.

The anniversary celebrations will kick off with a group exhibition featuring works by UNIDEE alumni from across the globe. Artists such as Mae Aguinaldo-Mapa, Nico Angiuli, Emily Jacir, and many others will display their art that explores how creative practices can foster personal and societal transformation. The exhibition will also include archival materials such as anecdotes, reflections, and even recipes shared by former residents, bringing a personal touch to the history of the program.

One of the key features of the celebration will be a four-day symposium from September 21–24, 2024. Esteemed speakers and panelists, including Andy Abbott, Susanne Bosch, and Jeanne van Heeswijk, will reflect on how socially engaged art has evolved over the last 25 years. Topics will range from the ecological turn in art to envisioning new configurations for future artistic institutions and exploring hospitality as a practice in residencies.

UNIDEE’s legacy will also be visible across Biella, Italy, where local interventions by artists and cultural organizations will highlight the residency’s enduring connection with the city. Workshops, sound art performances, and activities such as plants life drawing, impromptu tango sessions, and live film sound sessions will engage the public and create lasting relationships between the artists and the community.

In conjunction with the celebration, UNIDEE will offer a series of residency modules from October to December 2024, allowing selected participants to delve deeper into key themes under the guidance of mentors like Fabiola Fiocco and Susanne Bosch. These modules are designed to expand on the knowledge shared during the anniversary event and provide an immersive experience for up to twelve participants each. Importantly, participation is free of charge, and partial and full travel bursaries are available to ensure accessibility for all.

As UNIDEE reflects on its 25 years of contribution to art and society, the program looks ahead to shaping the next generation of socially engaged artists who will continue to make an impact on the world through their creativity.