The Cloisters in Naples, restoring ..a way of life.

Dec 03, 2013 1277

"Two years ago we came across the Cloisters of the Church of Santa Caterina a Formiello, in Naples' historic town center, says Davide de Blasio and his wife Rosa Alba Impronta founders of Fondazione Tramontano Arte, we were walking through hidden sites with our friend Antonio Martiniello, and we discovered this amazing complex, built in the 16th century: a rare testament to the Neapolitan Renaissance and industrial archaeology in the heart of our city".


Santa Caterina is one - there are hundreds historic churches - you may find walking in this unique city; built in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, in the middle of History. A church and cloister built to be a joint for the inner-city neighborhood it was initially used by monks as a pharmacy, then the Cloister was converted into a factory for military uniforms and a carpenter's workshop. Over time it gradually deteriorated before ending up in a state of total neglect.

"The historical vocation of the Cloisters gave us the inspiration for a new project, adds Davide, with the help of our friends from Naples and from all over the world, we will restore this beautiful 16th century Cloister, reviving ancient crafts traditions of the City of Naples, reviving a way of life".


"This is what we are doing: linking Architecture with Art and connecting people – says Antonio Martiniello – There is a lot to do, but we can do it; and it has to do with healing more than in building. A sustainable development of the area of Porta Capuana which has seen a steady decline in recent years is what comes from our wider vision"


""We do believe in our project and most of all we do believe in art", says passionate Rosa Alba, we will do this through collaborations with contemporary artists and designers from across the world"


This must be true since artists such as Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed, Maria Thereza Alves, Mimmo Paladino, Jimmie Durham, Franz West, Antony Hegarty (Antony and the Johnsons), Patti Smith among others, have supported the project with ideas, suggestions and enthusiasm.


Through a painstaking restoration of the building and the frescoes, the Cloisters will be rehabilitated as a center for design and craftsmanship; a multi-purpose space to house exhibitions and special events as well as hosting artists residencies and artisan workshops.


In order to complete the renovation of the Cloisters and to start with artistic activities, the Foundation Tramontano Arte is going to promote and launch a fundraising project on Kickstarter, the largest worldwide crowdfunding platform www.madeincloister.org


The minimum target to reach is $ 120,000 for the first step of the project - building the roof - with 2 following steps in the future. Donors can contribute simply clicking on www.madeincloister.org Starting from $1, donors will receive a reward and will enter the world of Made in Cloister for updating of the project, newsletter and others future activities.


"Long live the beauty that comes down and through and onto all of us", recently said Laurie Anderson in a letter to the neighbours. Long live, we all say.

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