KORA regeneration project
Basic information
Project Title
KORA regeneration project
Full project title
KORA Contemporary Arts Center - regeneration project
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
Housed in what was formerly a Baronial Palace, KORA is a Contemporary Arts Center in Castrignano dei Greci, south-east Italy opened in 2021. The ambitious project was created by Ramdom - an organisation dedicated to art production and research. KORA had a vital importance in reconnecting the local community with their traditions and culture. Through artistic programming, KORA was striving to generate a dialogue between the local community, researchers, artists, curators and international guests.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Puglia (Italy), principally the Salento area., Italy
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Our project is one which brought Salento, a place isolated in terms of both its geography and access to cultural institutions into the international arts sphere. KORA is the outcome of extensive research into the territory of south Puglia. The centre honored the rich cultural identity of the region, paid homage to the ancient Greek origins, exploring the architecture, folkloric traditions, nature and community of Salento throughout the arts and cultural programme.
KORA offered a contemporary vision as to what a public arts and culture centre can provide for a local community. It is a project which primarily revolved around the specificities of the region where it is located, nonetheless, the way KORA operated has become a point of reference for other art centres also operating in remote areas of Italy and beyond.
KORA is a project which demonstrated to both the Italian and international arts community that through local, national and international collaboration it is possible to establish an innovative vision of arts and culture within a peripheral town in Salento, Southern Italy.
The specific objectives of KORA were to create a place of residence, research, production and exposure for the artistic output of the region. It is a project which encouraged active public engagement with art by placing as much importance on the research processes and conceptualisation of artistic projects as the finished artworks themselves. It is through this emphasis on making visible the research that underpins artistic production, that KORA encouraged audiences to immerse themselves more actively into the exhibitions on display.
KORA offered a contemporary vision as to what a public arts and culture centre can provide for a local community. It is a project which primarily revolved around the specificities of the region where it is located, nonetheless, the way KORA operated has become a point of reference for other art centres also operating in remote areas of Italy and beyond.
KORA is a project which demonstrated to both the Italian and international arts community that through local, national and international collaboration it is possible to establish an innovative vision of arts and culture within a peripheral town in Salento, Southern Italy.
The specific objectives of KORA were to create a place of residence, research, production and exposure for the artistic output of the region. It is a project which encouraged active public engagement with art by placing as much importance on the research processes and conceptualisation of artistic projects as the finished artworks themselves. It is through this emphasis on making visible the research that underpins artistic production, that KORA encouraged audiences to immerse themselves more actively into the exhibitions on display.
Key objectives for sustainability
KORA won two PNRR funds, one for environmental sustainability, one for digitalization. The first is for us to buy an electronic vehicle which allows us to reduce emissions related to the mobility of residents and visitors and to hold laboratories for recovering materials. The latter consents to us to create a virtual museum allowing visitors all over the world to access our exhibitions.
In terms of environmental sustainability, KORA advocated for KM zero acquisition - a concept that proposes using products that have not travelled far from their origin. The KORA bar is a good example of ecological transition as local products are used as much as possible, the tablecloth materials are reusable and/or biodegradable if not from clay, porcelain (plates) and aluminum (cutlery) and glass. The menu consists of local recipes with local ingredients. One of the won grants enables the bar to become auto sustainable with photovoltaic panels.
Our production department focused on acquiring materials for the artists in residence from local companies and suppliers and the artists are incentivized to use as much of the natural material as they can (olive trees, wild clay, eucalyptus). We advocated for circularity and ecodesign within the design of our spaces; the furniture in the offices comes from the ex-headquarters of the association and upcycling methods are used to renovate furniture instead of buying new. We promoted a sharing economy among our staff (carsharing, skillsharing and a fruit and vegetable produce exchange).
In terms of financial sustainability, KORA rented two properties in the town; the rent payment of these spaces went back to the local economic cycle, contributing to the economic sustainability of the town as well.
To avoid the overpopulation of the small town when exhibitions or events are held, we organized exhibitions in private and public spaces around the town, providing alternate gathering spots for our visitors.
In terms of environmental sustainability, KORA advocated for KM zero acquisition - a concept that proposes using products that have not travelled far from their origin. The KORA bar is a good example of ecological transition as local products are used as much as possible, the tablecloth materials are reusable and/or biodegradable if not from clay, porcelain (plates) and aluminum (cutlery) and glass. The menu consists of local recipes with local ingredients. One of the won grants enables the bar to become auto sustainable with photovoltaic panels.
Our production department focused on acquiring materials for the artists in residence from local companies and suppliers and the artists are incentivized to use as much of the natural material as they can (olive trees, wild clay, eucalyptus). We advocated for circularity and ecodesign within the design of our spaces; the furniture in the offices comes from the ex-headquarters of the association and upcycling methods are used to renovate furniture instead of buying new. We promoted a sharing economy among our staff (carsharing, skillsharing and a fruit and vegetable produce exchange).
In terms of financial sustainability, KORA rented two properties in the town; the rent payment of these spaces went back to the local economic cycle, contributing to the economic sustainability of the town as well.
To avoid the overpopulation of the small town when exhibitions or events are held, we organized exhibitions in private and public spaces around the town, providing alternate gathering spots for our visitors.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
KORA offers many cultural benefits for its community; it honors the cultural richness of the territory through its programme as well as acting as a much needed social gathering space for locals. The 1600m2s of the palace are dedicated to temporary and permanent exhibitions, workshops and educational training. The multidisciplinary space also hosts a library, a bookshop, a bar, an area dedicated to children and their learning as well as a conference room and event halls where live performances and talks are held.
This shared multidisciplinary space within the town fosters a sense of cultural belonging for the community. Through the events and workshops that take place at KORA, meaningful experiences and opportunities for intergenerational connection are forged.
The reopening of the palace that had for many years been closed to the public, was warmly received by the older generations living in Castrignano dei Greci. Being able to revisit the palace and see it repopulated with the public is of great benefit to the elderly in Castrignano. Architecturally and aesthetically the building recalls its history: The origins of Palazzo de Gualtieris, are most likely to be sought in the construction of a network of defensive structures that arose, already in Roman times, then the Barons de Gualtieri in the 16th century transformed the ancient fortress into a noble palace. The decorative elements of the building suggest the transition from castle to the noble palace. Kora represents a minimal style, the interior design respectfully leaves the original characteristics of the palace and pairs them with modern furniture and other solutions for its exhibitions’ settings.
KORA, in many ways, has become a space where the social values of Castrignano dei Greci can be enacted.
This shared multidisciplinary space within the town fosters a sense of cultural belonging for the community. Through the events and workshops that take place at KORA, meaningful experiences and opportunities for intergenerational connection are forged.
The reopening of the palace that had for many years been closed to the public, was warmly received by the older generations living in Castrignano dei Greci. Being able to revisit the palace and see it repopulated with the public is of great benefit to the elderly in Castrignano. Architecturally and aesthetically the building recalls its history: The origins of Palazzo de Gualtieris, are most likely to be sought in the construction of a network of defensive structures that arose, already in Roman times, then the Barons de Gualtieri in the 16th century transformed the ancient fortress into a noble palace. The decorative elements of the building suggest the transition from castle to the noble palace. Kora represents a minimal style, the interior design respectfully leaves the original characteristics of the palace and pairs them with modern furniture and other solutions for its exhibitions’ settings.
KORA, in many ways, has become a space where the social values of Castrignano dei Greci can be enacted.
Key objectives for inclusion
The linguistic and cultural diversity of the region and its history of migratory movements form a good basis for a model of inclusivity for the centre.
The calls for artistic residencies are open to everyone and KORA encourages those from under-represented backgrounds to apply. The staff members of KORA consist of employees of different nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds.
The exhibitions are free to visit and the library services are free to use so as to not financially exclude anyone based on their economic circumstance. The ground floor of the building is accessible for people in wheelchairs and upon request guided tours can be organized for groups of people with mental or physical difficulties. Our volunteers are specialised in delivering tours which cater to additional needs.
In addition to this, at KORA, we host talks and workshops which promote an inclusive attitude and celebrate diversity. Our event 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚 is an example of one such event. Stories, songs and nursery rhymes are read aloud to children in the mother tongue of the reader. We have had artists, members of the KORA staff as well as local parents read aloud in Arabic, Somali, French, Spanish and English. This is an event which celebrates the linguistic diversity of the region as well as the cognitive advantages of being exposed to multilingualism from a young age.
We focus on involving children, nursery, elementary and middle schools in our activities to familiarize the kids to the literature, poetry, culture of the territory and arts. For this we created our spaces kids and family friendly. The bookshop has a kids' corner, we have a room dedicated for the children with a wide range of arts section of books for them. We organized numerous activities to include and involve the little ones in the arts world: every main activity (exhibitions, Ogni Altro Suono music festival, performances, etc.) are accompanied with programs for children.
The calls for artistic residencies are open to everyone and KORA encourages those from under-represented backgrounds to apply. The staff members of KORA consist of employees of different nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds.
The exhibitions are free to visit and the library services are free to use so as to not financially exclude anyone based on their economic circumstance. The ground floor of the building is accessible for people in wheelchairs and upon request guided tours can be organized for groups of people with mental or physical difficulties. Our volunteers are specialised in delivering tours which cater to additional needs.
In addition to this, at KORA, we host talks and workshops which promote an inclusive attitude and celebrate diversity. Our event 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚 is an example of one such event. Stories, songs and nursery rhymes are read aloud to children in the mother tongue of the reader. We have had artists, members of the KORA staff as well as local parents read aloud in Arabic, Somali, French, Spanish and English. This is an event which celebrates the linguistic diversity of the region as well as the cognitive advantages of being exposed to multilingualism from a young age.
We focus on involving children, nursery, elementary and middle schools in our activities to familiarize the kids to the literature, poetry, culture of the territory and arts. For this we created our spaces kids and family friendly. The bookshop has a kids' corner, we have a room dedicated for the children with a wide range of arts section of books for them. We organized numerous activities to include and involve the little ones in the arts world: every main activity (exhibitions, Ogni Altro Suono music festival, performances, etc.) are accompanied with programs for children.
Results in relation to category
We have won many grants for our partners and the municipality, which enriched our ecosystem and enabled us to develop both the hard and the soft skills of our staff.
Over the past three years, we have welcomed over 8000 visitors and hosted more than 400 events (exhibitions, concerts, performances, residencies, talks, workshops, round tables, screenings, etc).
As well as this, we have digitized many different historical, artistic and archaeological materials.
These now form part of the KORA’s media library and can be accessed in person but will soon also be accessible through an online system.
KORA Public Library features a collection specialising in contemporary art, practices in cultural policy, and art theory as well as fiction classic and dual language titles. The library reopened to the public in April 2021 after nearly 10 years of closure. Since then, the children's section has acquired a selection of over 800 books. Particular attention has been payed to the reading ages between 0 - 6 years in line with national reading initiative ‘Born to Read’.
The Public Contemporary Arts Museum, in addition to the permanent collection, is linked to Ramdom's extensive work in the field of artistic production in marginal territories. La terra nostra è un mostro di mare is the exhibition which opens the third chapter of the artistic programming of KORA-Contemporary Arts Center and explores the theme of inhabiting.
Over the past three years, we have welcomed over 8000 visitors and hosted more than 400 events (exhibitions, concerts, performances, residencies, talks, workshops, round tables, screenings, etc).
As well as this, we have digitized many different historical, artistic and archaeological materials.
These now form part of the KORA’s media library and can be accessed in person but will soon also be accessible through an online system.
KORA Public Library features a collection specialising in contemporary art, practices in cultural policy, and art theory as well as fiction classic and dual language titles. The library reopened to the public in April 2021 after nearly 10 years of closure. Since then, the children's section has acquired a selection of over 800 books. Particular attention has been payed to the reading ages between 0 - 6 years in line with national reading initiative ‘Born to Read’.
The Public Contemporary Arts Museum, in addition to the permanent collection, is linked to Ramdom's extensive work in the field of artistic production in marginal territories. La terra nostra è un mostro di mare is the exhibition which opens the third chapter of the artistic programming of KORA-Contemporary Arts Center and explores the theme of inhabiting.
How Citizens benefit
At KORA, interaction with the local community and a deep commitment to community involvement is key to the success of the space. We encourage feedback from our events and workshops and are committed to responding to the needs of the town. KORA also encourages the resident artists to become integrated with the local community and co-create events or workshops together which have led to mutually beneficial outcomes.
Young families attend the literature workshops, the language laboratories, the book presentations and talks. The job-seekers of the town attend the job days organized in the conference hall, listen to the presentations of the different professionals and can receive personalised advice from professionals. In an area of Italy with one of the highest rates of unemployment, these events have an undeniably positive impact on the local community.
Young people use the library to study, to hang out, and children play in the courtyard after school. Children also participate in the poetry and reading workshops which take place in both Italian and griko.
Young families attend the literature workshops, the language laboratories, the book presentations and talks. The job-seekers of the town attend the job days organized in the conference hall, listen to the presentations of the different professionals and can receive personalised advice from professionals. In an area of Italy with one of the highest rates of unemployment, these events have an undeniably positive impact on the local community.
Young people use the library to study, to hang out, and children play in the courtyard after school. Children also participate in the poetry and reading workshops which take place in both Italian and griko.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
The innovative aspect of KORA Contemporary Arts Center is the hybrid model: the cooperation between the public and private stakeholders. The municipality of Castrignano dei Greci owns the building, but a private entity (coop team), with the lead of Ramdom Association manages the operations. In the coop partnership Ramdom operates with other private realities such as the visual communication studio Pazlab, which expertly curated the coordinated image of the space and the exhibitions.
The extraordinary character of KORA is the people who populate the space. The project’s focus is the territory, the traditions and the community of Castrignano dei Greci and the wider Salento region. The griko language, a dialect of greek unique to the Grecia Salentina region where the centre is located, was fundamental to the project. The name is an amalgamation of the griko word Chora, which means community or square and Kascignana - the griko name for the town Castrignano dei Greci.
Another innovative feature of KORA is that exhibitions often have an open end, thus the relationship between the artworks and the space and the artworks and whoever visits the exhibition is constantly renegotiated depending on the feedback of the visitors.
The extraordinary character of KORA is the people who populate the space. The project’s focus is the territory, the traditions and the community of Castrignano dei Greci and the wider Salento region. The griko language, a dialect of greek unique to the Grecia Salentina region where the centre is located, was fundamental to the project. The name is an amalgamation of the griko word Chora, which means community or square and Kascignana - the griko name for the town Castrignano dei Greci.
Another innovative feature of KORA is that exhibitions often have an open end, thus the relationship between the artworks and the space and the artworks and whoever visits the exhibition is constantly renegotiated depending on the feedback of the visitors.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
KORA is an example of a multidisciplinary space in action.
In the creation of the project the primary focuses were the renovation of the building - transforming what were previously domestic rooms into exhibition spaces, cultural heritage protection and cultural valorization (regeneration of the palace), sound design, applied arts (exhibitions, art residencies), literature and poetry (library and workshops for kids), gastronomy (Kora bar, valorizing the culinary traditions of Salento), music and sound design (Ogni Altro Suono concert series, experimental and folk music), interior design (building the new headquarters and offices and cozy areas), cultural meditation (involving different cultures, passing words and our exhibitions concepts to the visitors finding a way to be understandable and relatable to the public.
As for the knowledge fields, librarians, researchers, curators, project managers, sound designers, technicians, logistics responsible, production managers, communication, PR and marketing professionals, education department workers, youth workers, administrative office workers, tender writers, fundraising professionals, technicians and many volunteers meet, work together, have dedicated tasks, but for many activities they work together, work on different project on the same topic, but with this diversity of people, the all add different points of view making wholesome and rich the artistic and cultural offer.
In the creation of the project the primary focuses were the renovation of the building - transforming what were previously domestic rooms into exhibition spaces, cultural heritage protection and cultural valorization (regeneration of the palace), sound design, applied arts (exhibitions, art residencies), literature and poetry (library and workshops for kids), gastronomy (Kora bar, valorizing the culinary traditions of Salento), music and sound design (Ogni Altro Suono concert series, experimental and folk music), interior design (building the new headquarters and offices and cozy areas), cultural meditation (involving different cultures, passing words and our exhibitions concepts to the visitors finding a way to be understandable and relatable to the public.
As for the knowledge fields, librarians, researchers, curators, project managers, sound designers, technicians, logistics responsible, production managers, communication, PR and marketing professionals, education department workers, youth workers, administrative office workers, tender writers, fundraising professionals, technicians and many volunteers meet, work together, have dedicated tasks, but for many activities they work together, work on different project on the same topic, but with this diversity of people, the all add different points of view making wholesome and rich the artistic and cultural offer.
Methodology used
Creating the visual identity was the basic methodology to put Ramdom’s ideated content within a frame, which really adds value and fosters the sense of belonging.
From the notion of space to the place itself: the design approach for definition of a visual identity that could tell and represent a territory and not just a specific space. The communication study revolved around this increase in meaning which suggests that places have transformative ability (Paolo Venturi’s words) and they are exposed to a cultural challenge that they intend to win. From the notion of "creativity" the "project" was born, understand the place, what it symbolizes and what tools needed to be constructed to make the former Palace Baronial De Gualtieriis of Castrignano de Greci Kora Contemporary Arts Center with it’s strong identity through graphic design, details, stories and propensities, which enhance them in one imaginary, dynamic, multiple and open space. The approach is mainly bottom up because of the private dominance in the management and the participatory character of the audience, the local community and the international visitors. Top down approach is rarely the case, as Kora has an exemplary relationship with the Municipality, they organize events together, helping each other to create and plan projects, and apply for grants.
From the notion of space to the place itself: the design approach for definition of a visual identity that could tell and represent a territory and not just a specific space. The communication study revolved around this increase in meaning which suggests that places have transformative ability (Paolo Venturi’s words) and they are exposed to a cultural challenge that they intend to win. From the notion of "creativity" the "project" was born, understand the place, what it symbolizes and what tools needed to be constructed to make the former Palace Baronial De Gualtieriis of Castrignano de Greci Kora Contemporary Arts Center with it’s strong identity through graphic design, details, stories and propensities, which enhance them in one imaginary, dynamic, multiple and open space. The approach is mainly bottom up because of the private dominance in the management and the participatory character of the audience, the local community and the international visitors. Top down approach is rarely the case, as Kora has an exemplary relationship with the Municipality, they organize events together, helping each other to create and plan projects, and apply for grants.
How stakeholders are engaged
The success of the project is due to the large network of national and international stakeholders which Ramdom has been collaborating with since many years. Thanks to internal partners, we have developed Erasmus+ mobility projects, thanks to some of the national and regional stakeholders we have recovered a large part of the spaces of the before abandoned Baronal Palace and opened a public and a private library. Thanks to other international partners we implemented residency programs. The work group is composed of a cooperation of four entities: Ramdom APS, Muta Impresa Sociale, Pazlab, Doc Servizi and is supported by the local Municipality of Castrignano de' Greci. Pazlap is responsible for the visual identity, Doc Servizi is responsible for workshops, live and performances, while Muta’s role is providing the whole range of services. Kora collaborated with various universities, like Università IUAV Venice Italy, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Université Grenoble Alpes.
Ramdom APS, in collaboration with the Il Borgo del Contemporaneo di Castrignano de' Greci project and with the support of the European Union - NextGenerationEU Measure 2.1 of the PNRR "Attractiveness of Villages", created a series of artistic residencies hosting national and international artists and musicians. Ogni Altro Suono is a concert series which takes place monthly at KORA and is supported by FUS – Single Entertainment Fund of the Ministry of Culture. Ogni Altro Suono marked an important part in the life of KORA as part of the Italian and international music scene. The concert brings musicians from other parts of Italy and the world to perform in Castrignano dei Greci.
Ramdom APS, in collaboration with the Il Borgo del Contemporaneo di Castrignano de' Greci project and with the support of the European Union - NextGenerationEU Measure 2.1 of the PNRR "Attractiveness of Villages", created a series of artistic residencies hosting national and international artists and musicians. Ogni Altro Suono is a concert series which takes place monthly at KORA and is supported by FUS – Single Entertainment Fund of the Ministry of Culture. Ogni Altro Suono marked an important part in the life of KORA as part of the Italian and international music scene. The concert brings musicians from other parts of Italy and the world to perform in Castrignano dei Greci.
Global challenges
Salento is a region negatively impacted by hyper-tourism. The unsustainable number of tourists that the region attracts throughout the year puts strains on the infrastructure and accommodation industries of Italy. KORA seeks to help redistribute the number of tourists flocking to the sea-side towns of Puglia by providing a contemporary arts offering in a town which is usually overlooked by the conventional tourist trail of Salento. Through this, KORA hopes to lessen the impact of hyper-tourism on the coastal regions of Salento, and also contribute to the local economy in Castrignano dei Greci.
The other global issue that is faced and addressed is the cheap export of produce and materials. As mentioned in the sustainability part, we are dedicated to try to first purchase everything locally: food for the bar, a consciously curated variety of books focusing the territory, prioritizing local authors for the bookshop and library, materials for setting up the exhibitions. Thus we contribute to the growth of the local economy, bring visibility to local producers, artisans, people and promote the territory mentioning the provenance of the elements, materials, ingredients, etc. to our public.
The other global issue that is faced and addressed is the cheap export of produce and materials. As mentioned in the sustainability part, we are dedicated to try to first purchase everything locally: food for the bar, a consciously curated variety of books focusing the territory, prioritizing local authors for the bookshop and library, materials for setting up the exhibitions. Thus we contribute to the growth of the local economy, bring visibility to local producers, artisans, people and promote the territory mentioning the provenance of the elements, materials, ingredients, etc. to our public.
Learning transferred to other parties
The hybrid model, the cooperation between the private and the public is an exemplary element, that surely is to be replicated and transferred to other, rather isolated, rural or underpopulated places and territories.
An element of KORA which we believe can be replicated is the installation of a contemporary arts centre in remote towns both in Italy and beyond. The impact, which we do believe can help others, is the impact a cultural and contemporary arts center can make on its community, on the territory. How it can revititalize the locals' lives, how the folk traditions can be revisited and reinterpreted and told to next generations and international audiences. The third element we consider our strength, thus a methodology or approach, that can be transferred to other places is the cooperative mindset. Instead of becoming competitors with similar profiled associations, organization, we collaborative with them, building partnerships with them, strengthening our forces and creating a triple win situation: win-win for both organizations as they can grow their reached audience, win for the community, the visitors, the public, because they can enjoy an expanded and enriched cultural and artistic offer.
An element of KORA which we believe can be replicated is the installation of a contemporary arts centre in remote towns both in Italy and beyond. The impact, which we do believe can help others, is the impact a cultural and contemporary arts center can make on its community, on the territory. How it can revititalize the locals' lives, how the folk traditions can be revisited and reinterpreted and told to next generations and international audiences. The third element we consider our strength, thus a methodology or approach, that can be transferred to other places is the cooperative mindset. Instead of becoming competitors with similar profiled associations, organization, we collaborative with them, building partnerships with them, strengthening our forces and creating a triple win situation: win-win for both organizations as they can grow their reached audience, win for the community, the visitors, the public, because they can enjoy an expanded and enriched cultural and artistic offer.
Keywords
Community
Engagement
Culture
Regeneration
Co-creation
