In the first four years, The Art Residency focused solely on sculptors, creating a successful environment for their creative projects. Now, a compelling ambition has emerged to expand our scope, embracing a diverse array of artists, including painters.

We aimed to create a unique place for artists, where they could both work and live in a space filled with artistic inspiration and creativity. This led us to select Pietrasanta, a city filled with a special character. The artistic atmosphere is tangible, influencing the overall ambiance, and a significant number of residents have deep connections to art through familial collaborations spanning generations, dedicated to producing and communicating art and design.

This connection traces back to the Italian Renaissance, where the story of Italian art serves as a mirror reflecting diverse methods and styles. Equally important is the engagement with "foreign" artists from around the world who have visited the city since 1500. For many, Pietrasanta has evolved into an indispensable facet of their connection to Italy.

Residing and working within this city transcends the mere act of producing art. It's a profound relationship, akin to a creative "rebirth" of artistic ingenuity. Beyond the realms of commerce and industry, it predominantly revolves around inspiration, the exchange of ideas, and a deep-seated respect for those who craft exceptional art. In doing so, it offers novel perspectives and interpretations of our world.

Nestled in this dynamic atmosphere, The Art Residency seamlessly integrates itself with the heartbeat of the city. So far, 14 artists have been privileged recipients of a Residency stay, generously supported by the Danish Research Foundation. Each of these artists has delved into the realm of form, with a particular focus on sculpture. While Pietrasanta is renowned as the city of sculptors, a leisurely stroll through its numerous galleries reveals a significant emphasis on painting as well.

Following the creative surge sparked by Michelangelo's quest for marble in the surrounding mountains, a diverse array of artists emerged. Painters, writers, and musicians flocked to the city, accompanied by skilled artisans who played a crucial role in facilitating their craft. Pietrasanta evolved into a sanctuary for bronze casters, modelers, plasterers, mosaic layers, stonecutters, copper engravers, woodcarvers, and goldsmiths alike. The rich tapestry of artistic expression flourished within this vibrant community.

Pietrasanta functions as a melting pot, where every influence is absorbed and transformed—a metamorphosis of matter into spirituality. The diverse expressions of art constitute a language understood by a select few, shaped by our upbringing and culture. In Pietrasanta, any language confusion appears to dissipate, allowing a cool, modernistic Nordic expression to coexist harmoniously in a world steeped in Catholic saints and Southern pathos. While it may sound unconventional, the synergy works seamlessly. No artist comes out unaffected from an encounter with the city; each one is profoundly influenced. This unique characteristic is the essence of Pietrasanta's mystique—a mystique we aspire to share with artists who have yet to experience living and working here.

Our Residency for sculptors has already proven its efficacy, and now we aim to extend a similar transformative experience to other artists, including those who wield a brush instead of a chisel. Consequently, we plan to broaden our Residency to specifically accommodate painters in Pietrasanta. While a sculptor's project may entail technical complexities and involve multiple assistants, facing a blank canvas with a brush in hand offers a simpler yet equally profound experience. The creative process remains unchanged, and the artistic environment in Pietrasanta holds the potential to address and overcome various challenges.