Combine Palermo’s year as Italian capital of culture and the rush of Manifesta 12 – this year’s edition of the itinerant European biennial – and you’ll understand right away why Irene Crocco, the founder of contemporary art space Viasaterna, chose to temporarily move her Milanese gallery to one of the magnificent hidden apartments in the Sicilian colorful port town.

Amidst 18th-century palazzi, dazzling churches, and cozy osterias, “Casino Palermo” is both Viasaterna’s pop-up venue in via Alloro 129 and the name of a rich program of exhibitions, events, and residences. From June 4 until July 29, a group of eight Italian and international artists are called to experience and dialogue with the city by inhabiting and re-animating one of its ancient, fascinating abodes in the heart of the historic district of Kalsa. 

Far from being a traditional gallery space, “Casino Palermo” is conceived as a social, collaborative experience, hybrid and constantly evolving, halfway between an artist residency, an exhibition space, and a hangout for artists, creatives, and any contemporary art aficionados who are interested in discovering the work of artists Olì Bonzanigo, Alessandro Calabrese, Martina Corà, Theo Drebbel, Ramak Fazel, Teresa Giannico, Guido Guidi, and Takashi Homma.

“As often happens,” states Crocco, “this project is the result not only of a golden opportunity, but also and mostly the consequence of a twofold need: on one hand, the desire to take on a new and stimulating challenge by creating a space that breaks the mold of the traditional art gallery, and on the other, the wish to offer – to the artists, visitors, and the city alike, but also to ourselves – the chance to engage in a more intimate and inspiring dialogue, thus building a bridge between people and realities that seem so different and far apart.”