art does not stop. residency at la macina di san cresci tuscany italy

La Macina di San Cresci offers artists an opportunity to work for an extended period of time in a social environment that is rich in history and surrounded by nature, the Chianti landscape is possibly the best-known of all of Tuscany. The relaxed atmosphere and the splendid historic building, form an exciting combination. La Macina di San Cresci closely collaborates with University of Florence, Tuscany Region, Municipality of Greve in Chianti and Tuscany Film Commission to the realization of artistic projects, land art, street art. Live and work in the shadow of the oldest church in all of Chianti, built in the 10th century, painstakingly restored by two lifelong art lovers skilled in design and architecture. La Macina di San Cresci overlooks the classic Tuscan town of Greve in Chianti and is located just a short drive from Florence and Siena.
La Macina di San Cresci is a unique place where artists can live and work together in historic buildings surrounded by gorgeous hillsides dotted with vineyards and olive groves. La Macina offers guest artists the chance to recharge and reset by enjoying walks in the countryside, moonlit dinners in the garden with plenty of delicious food, wine, and friends, and a spacious studio to create new work. La Macina operates year round and accepts residency applications on a rolling basis (there are no deadlines!). At La Macina, artists can find whatever sort of process they need; we have a thriving and close-knit community made up of visiting artists and local friends, but there is plenty of peace and quiet for those who seek relaxation and escape. Residents can take classes in fresco, watercolor, Florentine artisanal upholstery, paper decoration, and more. Artists will also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas on outings to local sites with cultural and historical significance. We are happy to arrange other activities, like Italian language lessons and cooking classes. We actively promote the work of all our artists through exhibition, open studios, and features on our website and social media. We also publish a yearbook called “The Artistic Time” in order to share the work of all our resident artists with our network. La Macina di San Cresci cooperates with some Art Galleries/Art spaces in Florence, where it is possible to organize exhibitions for our artists.

Duration of residency The duration of this residency program is minimum one week and maximum three months.

Studio/ workspace Type and size of studios:

• Ample 45 m2 studios, suitable for painting, sculpture and installations. Access directly from the square
• Historic cellars (220 m2) divided into different areas and shared by the artists. All studios are open 24 hours a day. The entire centre is wireless equipped. The adjacent consacrated Church can be used for special works, like installation or music recorder. In the Church that is an old Organ restored available for musicians. We suggest to bring your laptop. One communal computer have been set up for resident artists to share in the studio. Facilities include meeting table, a black and white photography darkroom, video projector , amplification system, projection screen, basic handtools, easels, air compressor and electric stapler, basic tools for wood. In the office there are three printers A4 black and white / color, scanner and copier.

Expectations towards the artist At the end of the residency, we can host an Open Studios day, open to the general public. This is a great chance for the artists to share the work done during the residency with a broader audience who is made up of professionals, art lovers, neighbors, friends. Exhibition and public talks takes place at discretion of the La Macina staff and in agreement with the resident artist.