Engaging with the community
Artists were encouraged to actively participate in group activities, including art and language courses, networking opportunities, and community interactions. The residency culminated in documented social practice and artistic interventions within the Hidden Garden, addressing the needs and interests of local residents focused on the environment and sustainability.
The Garden inside and out
All the artistic interventions were created and thoughtfully constructed in and about the Hidden Garden. The spaces, as well as the materials, visuals and approach were inspired by the Garden itself. The artists were tasked with both taking inspiration and modifying the existing space creating significant connections between their personal research and artistic practices and the pre-existing space. All the final works were made to be perishable and eventually be re-absorbed into the environment that inspired them in the first place, hence the name of the final exhibition “transient treasures”. Despite the ephemeral nature of the works, the exhibition aims to create a lasting impact by demonstrating how artistic practices can raise public awareness of environmental issues, which are becoming increasingly important today. Using the Garden, with its spaces and limited resources, requires an effort to minimize waste and reduce the human impact on nature while simultaneously striving to create an artistic output that modifies the natural context, adding value and materializing the artist’s vision. Each artist has chosen to interpret the theme in a personal and unique way, including in their use of materials.
Fostering Cultural Exchange
By bringing together artists from various backgrounds, the Hidden Garden Residency Program was able to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning. Participants had the chance to immerse themselves in Siena’s rich artistic heritage while contributing their unique perspectives to the local community. With the support of the Residency Action of Culture Moves Europe, managed by the Goethe Institut, the Siena Art Institute hosted 5 European artists for a 3 month-period.
