In 2026, Casa degli Artisti embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of That’s Contemporary. This transition solidifies its ongoing mission and reinforces the space’s role as a hub for research, production, and artistic connections. That’s Contemporary, a social enterprise spearheaded by Giulia Restifo with the managerial support of vice-president Luigi Galimberti, is taking the helm of the Ats Casa degli Artisti consortium, marking a significant evolution for the historic Milanese center dedicated to artistic research, production, and residencies. This shift ensures institutional continuity while introducing a fresh project vision. We spoke with Giulia Restifo, the driving force behind That’s Contemporary and the new leader of this initiative.
What is Casa degli Artisti’s mission under your direction?
“Our work builds upon the foundations laid in recent years, with a focused intent to strengthen certain aspects. Casa degli Artisti is a space dedicated to supporting artistic endeavors, particularly for emerging and developing artists and creatives. We are committed to creating opportunities, fostering networks, and cultivating an environment that promotes professional growth.”
What are the guiding principles for this new phase?
“There are three core pillars. Firstly, participation, which means actively engaging with the community. Secondly, interdisciplinarity, which will permeate all our projects. Thirdly, the creation of virtuous synergies—collaborations with institutions, businesses, and local entities to amplify our cultural and social impact.”
How will participation be concretely integrated into your projects?
“We are working on multiple levels. On one hand, we are fostering relationships with communities, including in the welfare sector. On the other, we are engaging with the educational world, including corporate training. Art possesses the ability to contribute across various fronts, from personal development and social cohesion to enhancing resilience in complex situations. In today’s world, creative tools are essential for navigation.”
Do residencies remain central to the project?
“Absolutely. Residencies are the heart of Casa degli Artisti. It’s a space for research and experimentation, but also a catalyst for building relationships. Now more than ever, we feel the urgency to establish participatory environments, and residencies are the most natural setting for this to occur.”
Tell us about Omnirica. How is this residency structured?
“Omnirica is a multidisciplinary residency program structured into three cycles throughout the year, each lasting three months. The first cycle has just concluded, and the others will unfold in the coming months. Each cycle is conceived as an open environment where artists collaborate and engage with diverse artistic languages and the surrounding context.”
What role does the public program play within Omnirica?
“It’s a fundamental component. We encourage artists to initiate shared moments, such as talks, workshops, or encounters. They often invite professionals from other fields, fostering unexpected connections. Each artist brings a unique world, and the public program serves as a platform where these worlds can interact.”
How important is interdisciplinarity in your work?
“It’s crucial. It’s not just about juxtaposing different artistic languages, but about creating genuine moments of exchange. A visual artist might engage in dialogue with cinema, performance, or social practices. This kind of cross-pollination enriches the creative process and opens up new possibilities.”
Collaborations are another key element. Can you tell us about some of them?
“We have several. For years, we’ve partnered with VIDAS and the Accademia di Brera on a project that connects art and care, culminating in an exhibition and a residency for selected artists. We also have more recent collaborations, such as those with Green City and Ecco, which explore nature and our relationship with green spaces. The ‘Spazio Bacca’ project, for instance, is a cultural hub aiming to promote community well-being.”
What about the international front?
“We are actively developing several international dialogues. We’ve established exchanges with India, Paraguay, and Palestine, and we continue to work on creating mobility opportunities for artists. We believe that a space like ours should also facilitate intercultural encounters and foster not only professional but also human exchanges.”
Are there special projects linked to the residencies?
“Yes, several. One is ‘Luce ed Ombra’ (Light and Shadow), developed with the Milano Film Fest, which involves young video artists. Another is ‘Italia Pazza’ (Crazy Italy), an open call that invites reflection on Italian identity through an everyday object like a shopping bag, which becomes both an artwork and a fundraising tool. These projects merge research with tangible impact.”
Will 2026 be a busy year for events as well?
“Indeed, our calendar is quite full. During Art and Design Week, we will host a project with Ugo La Pietra, our resident artists, and Fondazione Michelangelo. In the subsequent months, numerous initiatives will take place, encompassing music, visual arts, and experimentation. Our aim is to foster continuous dialogue between the residencies and the events happening both within and outside Casa degli Artisti.”
What is the broader objective of this work?
“The board of Casa degli Artisti is comprised of a curatorial collective dedicated to creating vibrant spaces that foster connection and desire. These are places where art can serve as a reference point for understanding the present. Matteo Bianchi, Mattia Bosco, Mariavera Chiari, Christian Gangitano, Valentina Kastlunger, Anna Magagna, Valentina Picariello, Francesco Piccolomini, Susanna Ravelli, Lorenzo Vatalaro, and myself are collectively working towards this vision, building an open system where research, participation, and collaboration coexist. Omnirica is one of the projects that best embodies this vision.”
