Renowned fashion designer Dries Van Noten and his partner Patrick Vangheluwe are set to inaugurate a new foundation in Venice next month, focusing on the art of craftsmanship. The Fondazione Dries Van Noten will be situated in the historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta, located along the Grand Canal in the vibrant San Polo district.
This foundation aims to host various presentations, collaborative initiatives, artist residencies, and special events throughout the year, catering to artists, designers, and craftsmen at all career stages.
The mission of the Fondazione is to "unite the arts by dissolving traditional boundaries, affirming that all creative expression stems from the gestures and skills that define human making," as outlined in an official release.
In its manifesto, the Fondazione states, "Here, centuries of craftsmanship serve as a backdrop for new dialogues: between artworks and artisans, between past and present, and between local talent and international creativity." The vision is to transform Venice into a dynamic hub of creativity rather than a mere museum.
The Palazzo Pisani, built in the late 15th century, is celebrated for its Gothic Floral style exterior and Baroque interiors, which were completed by various Venetian artists in the 18th century. Plans for renovations by architect Alberto Torsello are also on the horizon, alongside the upcoming launch of a satellite site, Studio San Polo.
"Venice is more than a weekend destination; it's a city brimming with life, from its bustling markets to its vibrant youth, offering a unique cultural stimulus," Van Noten and Vangheluwe expressed. They view the Palazzo not merely as a historical monument but as a canvas for creativity.
Through the Fondazione, they aspire to create a lively venue where artists and artisans can showcase their work, students can engage in practical explorations, and visitors can appreciate the act of creation as a cultural experience. This initiative aims to foster a thriving ecosystem for craftsmanship, ensuring its relevance in an age dominated by machines and digital innovation.
Opening on April 25, the Fondazione's inaugural exhibition, titled "THE ONLY TRUE PROTEST IS BEAUTY," will be co-curated by Van Noten and fellow Belgian designer Geert Bruloot. This exhibition will feature over 200 objects across 20 rooms, including fashion, art, and design, aiming to challenge norms and provoke thought around the concept of beauty.
As they articulated, "We are interested in beauty not as an answer, but as a question. It is not an escape from reality, but a way of engaging with it." This foundation is poised to redefine the cultural landscape, inspiring future generations to explore the intersections of craft, art, and society.
