MusaMadre Project Launches
Eco-Cultural Arts Incubator to Revive Village of Rebeccu in the Municipality of Bonorva (SS) / Sardinia
First Stop: Sardinia in New York on May 31–June 2
Celebrated Choral Group Headlines 3 Days of Events
Bonorva (Sardinia - Italy)- As the kickoff events of the MusaMadre Project, Sardinian scholars, architects, journalists, and tourism industry officials will gather on May 31 - June 2nd in New York City to discuss an unfolding new project to transform the once abandoned village of Rebeccu into an arts hub and sustainable tourism model for cultural regeneration on the Mediterranean island.
"Sardinia is increasingly revealing itself as the cradle of a Mediterranean civilization capable of extending its influence to Egypt and the Middle East,” according to Professor Fabio Finotti, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of New York. “Its ancient heritage is the strength that makes it one of the key regions for our future, from every point of view: cultural, scientific, social, and even religious."
The once abandoned hillside village of Rebeccu, in the Municipality of Bonorva (SS) in Sardinia, is the home of some of the most important historic sites, dating back to Neolithic, Nuragic, and Medieval settlements. Since 2021, it has also been home to MusaMadre, initially conceived as a small festival featuring film, theatre, dance, music, and literary events and residencies, which has since evolved into a series of activities aimed at cultural innovation and international promotion of the territory. These actions span the entire year and serve as a bridge to the United States thanks to its artistic director, Valeria Orani, who has been living and working between Sardinia and New York for the past decade.
Starting in 2024, MusaMadre has transformed into a comprehensive cultural project, unfolding between May and October of its inaugural year. It encompasses various initiatives designed to breathe vitality into the territory, with Rebeccu being chosen as the ideal location for the practice of the art of hospitality. History, nature, archaeology, beauty – Rebeccu beckons the traveler seeking an immersive, year-round hospitality experience, far from the crowded beaches, integrated with the lifestyles of a community where nature still reigns.
Yet, Rebeccu is more than a haven for travelers; it is a cultural hub, a place for study and retreat, tailored to specific audiences such as artists, intellectuals, and writers. Hospitality intertwines with the artistic and creative context of the MusaMadre project, actively involving the population of Bonorva and playing a fundamental role in the enhancement of the territory.
Rebeccu in New York: May 31 - June 2
Lugodoro: “The Golden Place” Panel on Cultural Arts, Eco Revival, and Sustainable Tourism at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York
In Sardinia in New York: Acclaimed Pauliccu Mossa Choral Group with author Jeff Biggers at The Center at West Park, and Costantino Nivola Sculptures at Wise Towers
Cosponsored by the Municipality of Bonorva, with the support of the Department of Industry of the Sardinia Region, MusaMadre will present three days of events in New York from May 31st to June 2nd on the themes of Sardinian cultural arts, sustainable tourism and community revival.
Friday, May 31st: Lugodoro: “The Golden Place” Panel on Cultural Arts, Eco Revival and Sustainable Tourism Italian Cultural Institute of New York. The program includes a panel at the Italian Cultural Institute of New York (686 Park Ave.) in collaboration with the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), featuring scholars, architects, journalists, and tourism industry officials, who will gather to discuss the resources of Rebeccu and the Bonorva territory as a cultural model for Sardinia and other regions in Italy. The discussion will range from the region’s unique history, from the pre-Nuragic period to the Middle Ages, and invaluable archaeological sites, to the present cultural and artistic initiatives, ecotourism and environmental projects, artist residencies targeting specific audiences, such as “root tourism” and the growing movement for reconnection of emigrated Sardinians and their descendants with the Mediterranean island.
Participants include architect Alessandro Melis, curator of the Italian Pavilion at the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale and professor at the New York Institute of Technology, who will address Rebeccu as a case study for architectural solutions for eco-sustainability, resilience, and self-sufficiency.
Sunday, June 2nd: In Sardinia in New York: Sardinian Choral Music, Sculpture and Literature in the City. As a unique international collaboration, the MusaMadre Project will stage a site-specific performance of "IN SARDINIA in NEW YORK," featuring the acclaimed polyphonic Pauliccu Mossa Choir of Bonorva, with American playwright Jeff Biggers, author of the celebrated book, "In Sardinia." The performance will begin at The Center at West Park’s Sanctuary Space (165 W. 86th Street) at 4:15 pm and conclude with a brief outdoor performance among the historic public art sculptures of renowned Sardinian-New York artist Costantino Nivola at the Stephen Wise Towers courtyard in New York (90th Street, between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues). The Wise Towers courtyard, furnished in 1964 with urban sculptures by Nivola, gained notoriety in recent years due to a prolonged controversy over removing and repositioning Nivola's concrete works of ponies. For this reason, the performance will be presented in partnership with the Nivola Museum of Orani, as well as with PACT and NYCHA.
Following the internationalization project, the Festival will commence in Rebeccu between July and November, supported by the Municipality of Bonorva, the Fondazione di Sardegna, and the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, in collaboration with important national and international organizations such as the Fondazione Treccani, the Fabula Mundi Playwriting Europe Project, and the Italian and American Playwrights Project. Over forty events, including literature, performing arts, cinema, meetings, and "serendipitous walks," will take place in the small village of Rebeccu and in the archaeological and natural sites of the territory. Among the numerous guests are American choreographer Richard Move, actress Cristina Donadio, evolutionary biologist and philosopher of science Telmo Pievani, musician Cristiano Godano, and Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour. This year will also see the continuation of the writing residency "Ischeliu," dedicated to emigrated Sardinians and their descendants. It is now in its third edition in collaboration with the Sardegna Film Commission Foundation.
This press release outlines the MusaMadre project initiated by the Municipality of Bonorva, emphasizing its cultural significance and international collaboration efforts.