Rural Residency for Contemporary Art
RUC
IN SIMPLICITATE LIBERTAS
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 was chosen in 2016 by Christo for his installation The Floating Piers. On the nothern side, the valley 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.
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
We are grateful and proud of Agricola Vallecamonica that greatly manages our vineyards. Residents can discover more on the production thanks to tastings and workshops with the winemaker in person.
A UNIQUE STORY
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.
OUR RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Art, Archaeology, History, and Craftsmanship
Nature and Wilderness Discovery
International Dialogue
IN SIMPLICITATE LIBERTAS
RUC believes in supporting artists’ development through reconnecting with nature and with the valley's ancient traditions.
Residents may be introduced to the valley’s cultural heritage, tailoring their interests with in-depth itineraries on archaeology, history, art, and workshops. Residents may learn the secrets of local horticulture, vineyards, and gastronomy. They may be lead to trekking itineraries that unveil the beauty and wilderness of the mountains in one of the very few Italian sites still untouched by tourism.
RUC supports the organization of presentations and events both within its community and outside, as well as meetings with our fellow artists and connections with international art galleries and curators.
INDIVIDUAL RESIDENCIES
Applications for individual residencies are accepted on a rolling basis.
The residency is open worldwide to visual artists, musicians, and writers.
Applications are accepted every year on a rolling basis for residency periods from May to October (1 or 2 weeks).
Please provide the following: Artist Statement, Résumé, List of 10 Artworks.
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. 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 candidate is accepted.
We welcome artists from all over the world, and encourage foreign applicants by helping them with all logistical matters.
For artists travelling extensively throughout the country, we are happy to recommend a stop-over at our family Agriturismo Podere Amati near Bologna, on the main highway and railway hub between Southern to Northern Italy.
COURSES & WORKSHOPS
Every summer RUC hosts special courses and workshops lead by international artists. The leading artists and RUC staff are at complete disposal of the residents for any assistance, and to shape the courses on their needs and preferences. In order to help us programming in the best possible way, please contact us to for more information and to share your preferred dates.
RUC has developed permanent collaborations with: Paola Alborghetti, Eyenga Bokamba, Cynthia Fusillo, Giorgio Cossu, Eckehard Fuchs, Eileen Olivieri, Alex Lorenzi, Kelly Medford, Patricia Miranda and The Crit Lab, Gabriele Reina, Wide Open Writing.
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
RUC is proudly partnering and collaborating with the Future Tense Gallery in Minneapolis (Minnesota, USA), founded by artist Eyenga Bokamba. RUC Alumni will be prioritized to submit a proposal for a show at the Future Tense Gallery.
For the summer 2023, RUC is delighted to announce the start of a new partnership with the Boynes Emerging Artists Award. Based in Australia, this award was created in 2019 to support, promote, connect and most of all give opportunities to emerging artists all around the world, enhancing the profile of young and/or undiscovered talent.
RUC will proudly be hosting the winning artists of the 7th edition of the prize for a 1 month long residency in August 2023.
APPLICATION
SUMMER 2022
The residency is open worldwide to visual artists, musicians, and writers.
Applications are accepted every year on a rolling basis for residency periods from May to October (1-2 weeks).
Please provide the following: Artist Statement, Résumé, List of 10 Artworks.
Please contact us for information on the weekly residency fee. The 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.
Our committment in supporting our artists is ongoing and we are delighted to suggest you to check funding opportunities at the Lighton International Artists Exchange Program. 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 candidate is accepted.
We welcome artists from all over the world, and encourage foreign applicants by helping them with all logistical matters.
For artists travelling extensively throughout the country, we are happy to recommend a stop-over at our family Agriturismo Podere Amati near Bologna, on the main highway and railway hub between Southern to Northern Italy.
Thank you!
RUC is a member of the most prestigious networks of international Artists Residencies worldwide
