A collective canvas:
Interconnectivity experience
26 August – 04 September 2024, Blenio Valley, Switzerland
Accepting applications until Sunday, June 2, 2024, via Google Form.
Premise
Imagine entering/becoming part of a space/organism and embodying ourselves in a fungal system or mycelium, a complex network of microscopic elongated cells (hyphae = us) with which the organism explores the environment and colonizes by networking the substrate from which it draws nourishment.
Nutrient sources must be sought, identified, and processed (through enzymes), so that they can be absorbed and contribute to the accumulation necessary for emergence (fungus or colony of fungi visible on the surface).
There are three main types of mycelium foraging behavior: saprotrophism, parasitism, and symbiosis. (choice/recognition).
The hyphae operate cohesively in synchrony, as they are now a mycelium (collectivity of one).
Preferred form of nourishment: beauty
Assimilation time: lunchtime
Accumulation area: the table of the former Cima Norma’s Pensionato, now Cima Città, interdisciplinary residency space
Expected emergences: 10 (1 per day)
Existence goal: to emerge from the substrate and spread elsewhere.
Nourishment Art
Welcome to our residency, a place where art and nutrition converge in a unique synergy. Here, twelve people from different backgrounds come together, united by a desire to create beauty and ask new questions. This art temple is a context for experimentation in which the daily meal becomes a shared experience, a work that unites us through methodology and collaboration. Keeping this atmosphere alive requires a constant and dedicated commitment from us all.
Under the guidance of knowledge sharing, we find inspiration in fermentation, an ancient symbol of transformation and rebirth that speaks deeply to our human story. We also explore the intricate pathways of information processing, that help shape, and influence our culture. As constantly evolving individuals, we collaborate to build a contemporary community that thrives on the creativity and ingeniousness of the collective. We face challenges as an integral part of our journey, adapting to natural life rhythms in symbiosis with all living things, building mutual trust and transforming our experiences into a collective work of art, celebrating food, that is also interpreted as a metaphor for the pursuit of knowledge.
In this context, we explore the connections we imagine and that bind us to one another, creating bridges for the exchange of ideas and resources, in a harmonious synergy with the mystery of the daily meal. This becomes the focus of a shared ritual, a harmonious fusion of art and nourishment that elevates the spirit and invites us towards reflection. Like the flow of time, we immerse ourselves in an intricate web of moments that reveal the complexity and interconnectedness of collaborative being.
What we offer
In our residency, we offer an experience closest to being comprehensive, which includes room and board. We gather and use high-quality local ingredients to ensure the best as we work together. We have seven shared rooms located in a 19th-century boarding house. We have several rooms for workshops, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining room where everyone can gather. Nearby, we have a beautiful quiet area at the foot of a pine forest at an altitude of 800 meters and a river coming from the slopes of the highest mountain in the region (Adula), where we can explore various collective care practices and advanced cultivation approaches.
What are we looking for?
We aim to better understand the complex relationships within our ecosystem, from macro to micro systems, with a focus on nurturing as an artistic endeavor. We promote trust and self-managed sharing within the space and its structures. Selected participants will be provided with guidelines (outline program) to follow for orientation during the residency, while on a daily basis, we will engage in creative cycles to create artistic installations. In an ideal scenario, everyone will benefit from the development of artistic biomarkers, biological markers reflecting the artistic experience, and new receptors for connecting with the surrounding environment. To enhance the collective experience, we will incubate the practice of a variety of tools from neuroscience (biohacking) to help us focus
Who is the target audience?
Members of art communities, as well as advocates of the Slow Food movement and alternative therapists. People into fungi, herbalism, biology, chemistry and social sciences. From graduate students, researchers to practitioners and experts that want to engage in a collective multidisciplinary creative process.
Location
The residency is located at Cima Città, the former Pensionato of the glorious Cima Norma Chocolate Factory in Torre, in the picturesque Valle di Blenio, Switzerland.
Expenses Excluded
Transportation expenses are the responsibility of the participants, as well as personal care items. We do not refund personal expenses or special contributions unless agreed upon.
Residency Dates
From August 26th to September 4th, 2024, with priority given to those who can possibly attend the residency program for at least 5 consecutive dates (to be indicated in this form in response to the question).
Available
Spots 12 (+ Visitors Supporters*)
Registration
By Sunday, May 26th, 2024 by Google Form here.
Selection Announcement
Selected participants will be notified by end of June, 2024.
How will the announcement be made?
Initially via e-mail and personally (by Zoom), and then on the Future Fermentation IG platform.
Preparatory Meetings
Selected participants are expected to attend preparatory meetings (via Zoom).
Stakeholders
Curated by Matteo Fieni / Future Fermentation and Jelena Sucic / Creative Systemic Research Platform Institute. With the support of Cima Città. In collaboration with Camera F. Promoted by Fondazione La Fabbrica del Cioccolato.
Visitors Supporters*
In addition to offering sponsorship opportunities for entities interested in supporting our vision and research, we extend a warm welcome to special visitors. Guests can enjoy accommodation and lunch included for a daily rate to be agreed upon. Contact us to arrange your visit and experience our facilities firsthand.
Notes?
For any clarifications, please write to: nutri@futurefermentation.ch with the subject “Nourishment Art Residency.”
Other info?
For official updates, please refer to Future Fermentation Instagram account.