See the main project page (in Italian) on the Fondazione Musei Senesi website here.
The network & mission
“Florére” from the Latin verb to bloom, intends to cultivate greater environmental awareness among cultural operators and public event organizers in Siena and its province. Funded by the RESET program of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Foundation, the project is led by the Siena Art Institute, supported by partners such as the Pro+ APS association, the Unione Astrofili Senesi, TVSpenta APS, the Siena Trekking Group, Mason Perkins Deafness Fund Onlus, and the Fondazione Musei Senesi.
Change grows in the community
Through a series of practical workshops and events, the project directly and actively involves the local community in creating methods and solutions for reducing the environmental impact of the cultural sector. For example, during the “TVSpenta Live 2024 – Dreams Unbound” festival in Rapolano Terme, the community’s habits in using spaces and awareness of sustainable practices were analyzed.
In 2025, the project will launch a call for young Tuscan and Italian professionals, including architects, artists, and experts in territorial marketing, inviting them to develop innovative solutions. The results will be collected and disseminated through “SEME-strale,” a semi-annual publication that will gather data on the habits, ideas, and needs related to sustainability perceived by the community in order to improve the ability of cultural organizations in the region to meet those needs.
Everybody gets a seat
A fundamental aspect of Florére is accessibility: thanks to the collaboration with Mason Perkins Deafness Fund Onlus, some activities are made accessible to deaf people to ensure inclusive participation and the removal of barriers.
Past Events
19.07.2024 Galactic Groove
On Friday, July 19, 2024, the sky over Rapolano Terme was transformed into a stage of wonder and discovery thanks to Galactic Groove, a unique initiative of the TV Spenta dal Vivo “Dreams Unbound” festival in collaboration with the Unione Astrofili Senesi. From 10:00 PM, the Parco dell’Acqua became an open-air observatory thanks to the experience of the Unione Astrofili Senesi. Observations took place from two opposite stations, one facing north and the other south, to show how visibility conditions can vary significantly within the same park. Participants experienced firsthand the differences in observation caused by factors such as light pollution, the presence of a full moon, light filtering through trees, and beams of light from the festival’s stage.
All eyes on the sky
During the evening, the audience was invited to move between the two stations, about 50 meters apart, to observe the variations in visibility and reflect on the environmental impact of artificial light. It was a unique opportunity to rediscover the starry sky and understand the importance of protecting natural darkness. But that’s not all! The event also included feedback recording tools to gather participants’ feelings and reflections, contributing to the research conducted for the Florére project. Galactic Groove was a success, combining science, environmental awareness, and music in an unforgettable experience under the stars. Participants certainly walked away with a fresh perspective on the universe!
23.08.2024 Oven Overture
On August 23, 2024, at Il Punto|The Point, a special event marked the lighting of the earth oven built during the summer workshops at the Siena Art Institute. A long-awaited moment, celebrated enthusiastically by all participants.
From building to baking
During the summer of 2024, the Siena Art Institute hosted a series of workshops dedicated to building an earth oven. After months of work and experimentation, on August 23 at 5:00 PM, the oven was lit for the first time during a public event. The event featured the baking of bread, accompanied by live music from the participants of the SienAgosto Academy, a music academy founded by British countertenor Michael Chance. The blend of ancient craft techniques and musical performances created a unique atmosphere, involving the audience in a multisensory experience.
Experimental spaces and dynamics
As part of the Florére project, funded by the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Foundation under the RESET program, the distribution of the audience within the green space was observed. During the event, various activities took place simultaneously: the lighting of the oven and bread baking, musical performances, debates, and an aperitif. This allowed the collection of useful data to understand how people interact with the environment and activities, contributing to research on sustainability in cultural events. The event was a success, showing how the combination of art, sustainable design, and culture can create meaningful moments of sharing, replicable in other contexts.
06.10.24 Jungle Siena
If you thought you knew Siena like the back of your hand, you were wrong! On October 6, 2024, a special adventure led to the discovery of the hidden green side of the city, thanks to Jungle Siena, an accessible urban trekking organized by Mason Perkins Deafness Fund, Siena Art Institute, the Siena Trekking Group, and the Fondazione Musei Senesi. It wasn’t just a trek; it was a journey through nature, history, and inclusion. An experience accessible to all, with a special focus on the deaf community.
Discovering Siena’s green secret
The adventure started at 9:30 AM from the Botanical Garden of the University of Siena (SIMUS), a biodiversity corner in the heart of the city. After a walk through exotic plants and fascinating stories, the journey continued with an urban exploration guided by Rita Ceccarelli from the Siena Trekking Group. Participants discovered hidden green corners filled with historical and artistic curiosities. The final destination was the Giardino Nascosto, an accessible green space designed in collaboration with permaculture experts, architects, and representatives from the Italian deafblind community. Here, nature meets inclusive design, proving that any space can become welcoming and accessible without losing its authentic character.
Multi-sensory experiences and LIS
At the Hidden Garden, deaf architect Consuelo Agnesi and deaf psychologist Valentina Foa led an immersive activity on Italian Sign Language (LIS) and deaf culture. It was a unique opportunity to open our eyes (and hands!) to a form of communication that is as expressive as it is fascinating. All with the support of MPDFonlus’ interpretation services to ensure accessibility for everyone.
A delicious finale!
As with any self-respecting adventure, there was a convivial moment: the Siena Art Institute hosted a delightful refreshment to end this day of exploration, sharing, and nature on a high note. Jungle Siena was made possible thanks to contributions from national and international donors and the support of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Foundation, under the LET’SART program. The Hidden Garden is now a more accessible and safer place, without impacting its natural beauty.
01.02.25 Brunch with Sarah Hansen+oven firing
Recently, the Siena Art Institute hosted a special event titled “Brunch, Music, and the Warmth of Our Oven,” during which Resident Artist Sarah Hansen gave a live performance, accompanied by the lighting of the oven and freshly baked treats. During her residency, Sarah Hansen wrote an original piece inspired by Siena and the Hidden Garden. Her politically engaged music, focused on environmental themes, sparked discussions and complemented the delights prepared in the earthen oven of the Siena Art Institute.
01.02.25 TVSpenta TALKS&MUSIC Winter Edition: creativity and sustainability
On February 1, 2025, the public experienced a unique event at the Teatrino Gori Martini in Serre di Rapolano, during the Winter Edition of TVSpenta TALKS&MUSIC. The event offered an exciting mix of workshops, meetings, and musical performances, with a strong focus on nature, sustainability, and creativity.
From 5:30 PM until late at night, participants immersed themselves in a dynamic and engaging atmosphere of dialogues and music.
