The Pino Pascali Foundation recently organized a highly successful B2B meeting, focusing on "the contemporary museum system between social innovation and new models of cultural management." The event took place on June 8th, 2023, as part of the capitalization actions of the Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro project "MONET – culture in MOtion in Adriatic NETwork of Museums." Held at the exquisite Pino Pascali Foundation conference hall in Polignano a Mare, the meeting brought together a diverse range of professionals in the art industry for a day of networking, presentations, and discussions.
The event commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Stefano Zorzi, President of the Pino Pascali Foundation, who highlighted the importance of the B2B meeting as a platform for dialogue and collaboration. Giuseppe Teofilo, Artistic Director of the foundation, provided an overview of the MONET project and the ongoing capitalization actions of MONETPLUS, emphasizing the aim of attracting investments in the art sector through collaborative efforts.
Priscilla Raguso, Councillor for Culture of the City of Polignano, expressed gratitude to the Pino Pascali Foundation for organizing the event and praised their efforts in positioning Polignano a Mare on the national and international cultural map. The speeches set the stage for a day filled with insightful presentations and engaging discussions.
The morning sessions featured successful case studies, showcasing the achievements and unique offerings of key industry players. Presentations included the ARATRO Gino Marotta Gallery, which focuses on contemporary art exhibitions and builds a comprehensive art collection and archive. The Association "Amici di Pascali" highlighted their support for the Pino Pascali Foundation and their commitment to organizing cultural events and exhibitions.
The WRECKS4ALL project showcased innovative tourism experiences centered around the underwater cultural heritage of the Eastern Adriatic region, integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. The Promenade Gallery in Vlora, Albania, emphasized its role as a cultural hub and platform for contemporary art, fostering artistic exchange and cultural dialogue.
The afternoon session delved into the impact of new technologies on the art market, with presentations from renowned experts such as Giacomo Nicolella Maschietti and Duilio Giammaria. Discussions revolved around the opportunities and challenges arising from the digital transformation of the industry, acknowledging the potential of digital solutions while navigating regulatory considerations.
The B2B meeting also provided a platform for galleries and economic operators to pitch their history, mission, and unique services. Presentations from PEPPINO CAMPANELLA Light Objects, VENTO BLU Art Gallery, MICROBA Space, CONTEMPO, Like a Little Disaster (L.A.L.D.), Kora Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea, FPS Arte e Cultura, Association "Amici di Pascali" and others highlighted their innovative approaches and fostered connections among professionals in the art sector.
In the roundtable discussions, participants recognized the importance of financial sustainability for art projects. While private investment plays a crucial role, the discussions emphasized the significance of public funds as the primary source of financing for cultural initiatives. The participants stressed the need for sustainable financial models that combine public and private funding, fostering collaborations between stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability of the cultural sector.
The B2B meeting concluded on a poetic note with the captivating concert "Sediments of Verses" by Marco Alemanno. Through his vocal journey, Alemanno explored the expressive and emotional depths of the human soul, connecting individuals and fostering a sense of community through poetry.
The Pino Pascali Foundation's B2B meeting proved to be a resounding success, bringing together professionals from the art industry for a day of networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. The event showcased the potential of new technologies, emphasized the importance of financial sustainability, and celebrated the transformative power of poetry. The Foundation's commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the cultural sector was evident throughout the event.
