Francesca Beatrice Borri: 11.00-20.00 open studio during Rome Art Week

The first ever Rome Art Week is about to take over.

With less than a month to go, artists, galleries, foundations, academies, and cultural institutes all over Rome are preparing for the first ever annual Rome Art Week. Over 50 galleries and 90 artists have already signed up to participate.

From October 24-29, members will host a large number of free contemporary art events all over Rome. Professional artists will host open studios to showcase their work and engage visitors. Art institutions will host exhibitions, guided tours, lectures by critics and artists, and performances.

Leonardi: 16:30-19:00 open studio during Rome Art Week

Why was Rome Art Week founded?

Rome Art Week was started as a nonprofit project to bring attention to contemporary art in Rome. The goal is to encourage the production and appreciation of art, and bring attention to Rome as a part of the global art scene. Art critic Alberto Dambruoso states,

The initiative of Art Week seems very positive to me because it seeks to group all of the people and institutions which partake in permanent activities tied to contemporary art in Rome, and concentrates these efforts to a week of activities.

Dorothy Circus Gallery, Rome

A Historic Art Capital

Rome is a city that has been a global art capital for centuries. After World War II, Rome lost prominence while New York became the known art capital of the world. In the last thirty years the number of groups of artists in Rome seems to have diminished.

However, towards the end of the 60s Rome had an essential role in the formation of new artistic styles. This was an essential moment for contemporary art in Italy that began in Rome, and was then exported to America. Since then, new groups of artists, such as the school of San Lorenzo, have also formed in Rome. Rome remains an important site that attracts artists from all over the world.

Although Rome is a key player in the international art world, the city governance has struggled to effect legislature that promotes the development of cultural projects. For example, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (MACRO) faces continued difficulty with management and financing. Rome Art Week seeks to establish a collaborative effort towards stimulating contemporary art in Rome.

Rome is a chaotic city with a thousand things to see. With Rome Art Week, tourists and everyone who works in the field of contemporary art can come to Rome and see everything come together. Rome Art Week is an opportunity to explore the contemporary artistic culture that stems from the city’s rich history.

Silvia Codignola, Grande immersione, 2000/2001 oil on cavnas 112×200 cm

More Information on Rome Art Week

The Rome Art Week website provides biographies of participating artists and participating institutions with maps. The site also features a page for art critics who will provide their perspectives on contemporary art and the available exhibitions. A calendar of events will be updated in the next few weeks.

Get inspired by staying in one of these creative vacation apartments

The jazz-themed Jazz House Vacation Apartment located at Piazza Vittorio is the perfect place to come home and unwind with a glass of wine and smooth tunes on the gramophone.

After a full day of gallery and studio visits, the Testaccio Holiday Apartment brings art closer with a floor to ceiling, original mural hand-painted by an Italian artist.

Stay in the middle of the action at the totally unique Campo de’ Fiori Vacation Rental. An elegant chandelier, custom stained glass, and one-of-a-kind bathroom light fixtures are just a few of the design elements that make this vacation rental special.

What’s you’re favorite part about Rome Art Week? Share your experiences in the comments below!