RUC
IN SIMPLICITATE LIBERTAS
RUC is a member of the most prestigious networks of international Artists Residencies worldwide
WHO WE ARE
RUC is an international artist residency, welcoming artists, musicians and writers from all over the world.
RUC supports multicultural dialogue and interdisciplinary exchange between international artists and local traditions in a rural dimension that offers artistic time in solitude and exchanges between peers. Sited in a remote location, RUC's isolated beauty is the ideal environment for intellectual work and creates optimal conditions for concentration and creativity, international exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding.
RUC is the ancient name given by locals to our estate and means terraced garden on the rocks.
OUR VALUES
Discovering rural life
Cross-cultural understanding
International exchange
OUR MISSION
RUC believes that experiencing the ancestral magic of rural life in the Alps may enhance inspiration and support creativity through reconnecting artists to the natural world and to their genuine self.
WHERE WE ARE
RUC is located in the Italian Alps, in Lombardy, in the Valcamonica valley. Milan is 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car or public transport. The international airport of Milan Orio al Serio can be reached in 40 minutes.
OUR HERITAGE
Because of the uniqueness of its prehistoric engravings carved in the rocks, Valcamonica was the first Italian site to be listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. On the southern side, the valley flows into the beautiful lake Iseo where the breathtaking fishing island Montisola lies, and on the nothern side it is topped by the largest glacier of the Italian Alps, the Adamello National Park. RUC is located very near to prominent Roman archaeological sites, and the nearest villages count an ancient Roman open air theatre and the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva.
During the Second World War these mountains witnessed some of the most crucial battles of the Italian Resistance against Fascism. The history of RUC is indissolubly intertwined with those events.
In 2011, the Cariplo Foundation founded the Cultural District of Valcamonica as an instrument for the development of the territory, and a laboratory for arts and culture. Our residency is part of this platform.
OUR FACILITY
RUC is an estate of 8 hectares (around 20 acres) on the hills, ringed by higher mountains, with a wide meadow and wooded area, a vegetable garden, several fruit trees, and vineyards that produce very refined wines with innovative methods.
On this property there are 3 country houses creating a tiny rural community, and 2 villas where artists are hosted, our headquarters Villa Amati, and a newly restored charm dépendance called Casetta.
All guests will enjoy full use of the property and all of its amenities, gardens, courtyards, and common spaces.
Our Vineyards
RUC's special climate conditions have incredibly preserved its vineyards from phylloxera: today our vineyard is older than one hundred years and it is one of the rare varieties in Europe not grafted onto American vines. The wine production uses the depths of several nearby Alpine lakes as cellars to create a simply unique wine in taste and history.
We are grateful and proud of Agricola Vallecamonica that greatly manages our vineyards.
OUR RESIDENCY PROGRAM
in simplicitate libertas
RUC believes in supporting artists’ development through reconnecting with nature and with the valley's ancient traditions.
Thanks to the network of the Cultural District of Valcamonica residents can discover history, art, craftsmanship, and traditions of a rural community yet ever more aware of the international contemporary art scene.
Art, History, and Craftsmanship
Residents may be introduced to the valley’s cultural heritage, tailoring their interests with in-depth itineraries on archeology, history, art, and workshops on discovering ancient local rural professions.
Nature and Wilderness Discovery
Residents may learn the secrets of local horticulture, vineyards, and gastronomy. They will be lead to trekking itineraries that will unveil the beauty and wilderness aspects of the mountains in one of the very few Italian sites still untouched by tourism.
International Dialogue
We will support the organization of presentations and events both within the local community and outside, as well as meetings with our fellow artists and connections with international art galleries and curators.
application
Applications for residency periods are accepted every year on a rolling basis from April to October.
Residency periods may vary from 1 to 3 weeks.
The residency is open worldwide to visual artists, musicians, and writers.
Please provide the following: Artist Statement, Résumé, List of 10 Artworks.
We are happy to assist artists seeking grants or other forms of funding in their home country or institution, by providing an invitation letter when a candidature is accepted. We welcome artists from all over the world, and encourage foreign applicants by helping them with all logistical matters.
The weekly residency fee may vary according to the length of the residency and type of accommodation. The residency fee is partly subsidized and is intended to cover the maintenance of the whole property, buildings and countryside.
Residencies 2020
Available periods for individual applications:
May 6-17
October 7-18
Contact RUC
+39 348 0681280