As an art enthusiast, I’m constantly drawn to initiatives that make art more accessible. The Fondazione Arte CRT in Turin, Italy, has been doing just that since 1991. Their recent activities during Artissima art fair, particularly their focus on public art, caught my eye. Let’s delve into how this influential foundation is shaping the cultural landscape of Turin.
A Legacy of Support and a Renewed Vision
The Fondazione Arte CRT has a long-standing commitment to enriching the cultural identity of Turin and the Piedmont region. They’ve amassed a collection of over 900 modern and contemporary artworks, valued at over €40 million, many of which are on long-term loan to institutions like the Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea and the Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Torino (GAM).
This year, the foundation has undergone a significant revamp, marked by a larger budget and the appointment of a new scientific committee. This committee, featuring prominent figures like Manuel Segade Lodeiro of the Reina Sofia Museum and Hans Ulrich Obrist of the Serpentine Galleries, signals an ambitious direction.
Investing in Art and Artists at Artissima
During the recent Artissima art fair, the Fondazione Arte CRT reaffirmed its dedication to supporting artists and institutions. They purchased artworks by artists including Steffani Jemison, Marwa Arsanios, and Cemile Şahin for the permanent collection, subsequently loaning them to the Castello di Rivoli and GAM.
“We are creating a unique example for a private foundation by buying for two collections (GAM and Castello),” stated Luigi Cerutti, the foundation’s new general secretary, in an interview with The Art Newspaper. He emphasized their three-pronged approach: continuing acquisitions, promoting public art, and fostering art education.
“Dove finiscono le tracce”: Bringing Art to Unexpected Places
The foundation’s commitment to public art is exemplified by their exhibition “Dove finiscono le tracce” (Where the Traces Fade). This exhibition, featuring works by artists like Peter Friedl and Cally Spooner, took place in unconventional locations around Turin, including Palazzo Madama and Museo del Risorgimento.
Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, the foundation’s new president and a renowned collector, highlighted that all the works in “Dove finiscono le tracce” had been acquired from past editions of Artissima, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to supporting the fair and its artists.
A Future of Ambitious Projects and Collaborations
Looking ahead, Sandretto Re Rebaudengo envisions commissioning site-specific sculptures for public spaces in Turin over the next three years. The foundation is also keen on showcasing its impressive collection internationally. “Since the collection (of 900 works) is very large, there’s also an opportunity to show works in other countries and venues,” she stated.
The Fondazione Arte CRT’s renewed focus, particularly under the leadership of Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, promises a dynamic future for the Turin art scene. Their dedication to making art more accessible, supporting artists, and collaborating with institutions, sets a commendable example for art foundations globally.
A Call to Explore
Have you experienced the art scene in Turin? What are your thoughts on the role of private foundations in promoting public art? Share your thoughts in the comments below!