An Interdisciplinary Gathering in Florence
| On 2 and 3 October 2026, Palazzo Olivetti Rason in Florence will host an interdisciplinary exploration of how art can help us understand processes of healing, restoration, and repair. Bringing together artists, academics, healthcare specialists, curators, collectors, and cultural leaders, the gathering will investigate the theme of Mending the Body through Art through conversations, reflections, and public presentations. |
The event takes place during the Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze (BIAF) and Broken exhibition in Palazzo Strozzi, one of the world’s most important events dedicated to art and cultural heritage. Against this backdrop, participants will consider restoration not only as a practice applied to objects, but also as a framework for thinking about the human body, wellbeing, memory, and resilience. Inspired in part by kintsugi — the Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics with precious metals, celebrating rather than concealing damage — the project asks how creative and cultural practices can contribute to contemporary understandings of care. Through the perspectives of bioengineering, psychology, creative health, collecting, curatorial practice, and contemporary art, participants will explore repair as both a physical and symbolic act. The first day, 2 October, will consist of a private roundtable bringing together a distinguished group of contributors, including: – Giovanni Biglino — Associate Professor in Bioengineering, Bristol Medical School; specialist in 3D technologies in healthcare – Mario Cinelli – editor iO Donna magazine – Alexandra Coulter — Director, National Centre for Creative Health, UK – Alessandra Denza — Collector and curator, the Contemporary Art Travellers – Federico Gallotti — Producer and label manager, La Scimmia Records; A/R, Tartelet Records – Salvatore Garzillo – Artist and journalist – Sofie Layton — Artist and researcher, Institute for Medical Humanities, Durham University – Virginia Moniaci — Founder, Sutura Gallery, Turin – Laura Perrotta — Cardiologist, AOU Careggi Hospital, Florence – Camilla Roversi Monaco – Restorer, LabOratorio degli Angeli, Bologna – Guendalina Urbani — contemporary Artist – Jo Wray — Professor of Health Psychology, UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London On 3 October, the conversation opens to the public through a programme of short talks and presentations at Palazzo Olivetti Rason. Participants will share key ideas and reflections developed during the previous day’s discussions, giving audiences the chance to engage with emerging perspectives on art, health, technology, and restoration. The event closes with a specially commissioned musical performance created in response to the themes explored during the gathering. By fostering dialogue across disciplines, the project aims to generate new ways of thinking about healing in the twenty-first century. At a moment when questions of wellbeing, care, and human connection are increasingly urgent, the gathering proposes art as a vital space for reflection, innovation, and collective imagination. Further programme details to be announced shortly. |
INFORMATIONS 03 October 2026 Symposium time Friday 03 october h16.00-19.00 Palazzo Olivetti Rason, piazza dell’Indipendenza 27, Firenze CONTACTS Alessandra Denza ✉️ ale.denza@gmail.com 📞 whatsapp +39 339 8403860 |
The Contemporary Art Travellers 
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