The Future DiverCities Learning Series is a new program designed to foster knowledge exchange and critical reflection on key topics at the intersection of art, culture, and urban transformation. Through a series of talks, the program will bring together experts, practitioners, and project participants to discuss pressing issues and share innovative approaches.
Making a Garden to Make a Community
The first talk, “Making a Garden to Make a Community,” took place on Wednesday 19 February 2025 at 13:00 CET. This session explored participatory practices in community-building, artistic interventions for biodiversity, and using vacant spaces for cultural activities, with experiences from Italy, Romania, and Greece.
The guest speakers approached questions such as how can art practices foster community participation? What role does biodiversity play in urban cultural regeneration? How can we activate vacant urban spaces for collective benefit?
Speakers: Arianna Pace, Lucian Avramescu, and Bjorn Ricketts moderated by Dario Marmo (Lama).
Arianna Pace was one of A dimora’s artists for the 2024 edition. Arianna Pace is a visual artist and landscape researcher. Her practice reflects the perceptual process of belonging to the landscape that occurs as the gaze shifts to that part that is not immediately apparent to the observer. Like a palimpsest, the history of human beings, composed of traditions and traces, is layered on top of the natural history. The artist’s observation of the layers of time on earth reveals life forms that have left a precious trace; she studies them, reworks them, documents and archives them, trying to transform the care of material memory and scientific study into a form of survival that she shares with those who participate in his work. Recent projects include: “Dalle sculture nella città all’arte delle comunità”, Pesaro capitale italiana della cultura 2024 (Pesaro, IT); Tara Europa Expedition (IT – FR); “Nuovo Grand Tour”, Domain de Boisbuchet (Lessac, FR); BigCi Environmental Awards (Bilpin, New South Wales, AU); Una Boccata d’arte (Rivello, Basilicata IT); Mac (Padova, IT); primo premio, YAG/garage, scuola marchigiana (Pescara, IT). Arianna was also the winner of The Special GNAM Prize for her work Einfühlung.
More links to delve into her work and her research: artwork for A dimora 2024; Instagram; latest interview; artist’s website.
Lucian Avramescu is a third-generation beekeeper with a deep passion for the fascinating world of bees. He manages an apiary with over 120 beehives, a place where nature and technology harmoniously intersect. In addition to his beekeeping endeavors, he has built a solid career as an electronics engineer in the automotive industry, with over 18 years of experience and more than 10 years dedicated to project and team management. In 2024, he completed a master’s degree on “Using Blockchain Technology for the Traceability of Beekeeping Products,” an initiative that merges innovative technology with the rich tradition of beekeeping. Since last year, he has been pursuing a PhD at the Life Science University in Timișoara, where he is researching the evolution of honey quality in the Banat region over the past half-century.
Bjorn Ricketts is a highly experienced Cultural Production Manager at PLEX and Bios Organisation, specializing in film production and visual theory. With several years of dedicated work in both the creative and civic engagement sectors, he has established himself as an expert in managing the entire lifecycle of film projects. Throughout his career, Bjorn has supervised numerous film productions, demonstrating a deep understanding of every stage of the process—from initial ideation and design, through preproduction, and on to final production, realization, and distribution. His comprehensive expertise ensures that creative visions are seamlessly translated into compelling, high-quality productions.
In addition to his work in film, Bjorn has been actively involved in various civic initiatives. This engagement has enriched his skills in developing effective programs and implementing best practices that foster community involvement and cultural enrichment. His ability to blend artistic innovation with civic responsibility makes him a valuable asset in any creative project. Renowned for his innovative approach and commitment to excellence, Bjorn Ricketts continues to drive cultural and artistic projects that make a meaningful impact on both the arts community and society at large.
