From March 15 to April 30, writers are invited to contribute original stories to form a 'collective' word-based sculpture for performance and exhibition by Marisa Garreffa
History belongs to those whose stories are told. 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. A selection will be published in the Oltrarno Gaze 2022 catalogue (The Florentine Press) and become part of a 'wearable' story-based sculpture stitched together, literally and symbolically, by performance artist and writer Marisa Garreffa.
Marisa Garreffa stitches stories' to create a wearable sculpture. ph Mohamed Safkat Khan
Submissions will also form the backbone of a spoken-word performance debuting on opening and closing nights of the 'Bridges' book art exhibition at Il Palmerino (May 5 and June 5). As Garreffa gathers stories and prepares for the upcoming performance, she shares insight on the premise behind her creation in-the-making. "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." Writers are invited to send their contributions to: sotto@britishinstitute.it
To attend Garreffa's 'Stitching Artists into History' performance at Il Palmerino Cultural Association's small amphitheatre at 6.30pm on May 5 or June 5, please reserve your spot: associazione@palmerino.it
Il Palmerino's amphitheatre where Gareffa's performance will take place
"Stitching Artists into History" forms part of 'Oltrarno Gaze 2022' cultural programme, organised by The British Institute of Florence, in collaboration with Il Palmerino Cultural Association, thanks to a grant by Advancing Women Artists Legacy Fund.
The project's aim is to spotlight modern-day art and artisanship from the Florentine district, whilst exploring its connection to historic women artists of the past. This 'call for writers' was conceived and organised in collaboration with 'Sotto al British', the British Institute's new venue for contemporary creativity in Florence and the event enjoys the patronage of Consulate of the United States of America in Florence. Communication partners: The Florentine and Calliope Arts / Restoration Conversations