The splendid 17th century Corsini Gardens in Florence provide the backdrop for the "ArtigianatoePalazzo" (Crafts and Palace) event running from the 16-19 May 2019. This year's edition concentrates on the city's long ties with the local Russian community, and is subtitled "Memories of Russia in Florence".

The project of Artigianato e Palazzo was conceived by Giorgiana Corsini and Neri Torrigiani twenty-five years ago to promote and preserve both Italian and foreign traditional crafts.

Over the past few months, the Corsini Garden Association has promoted a fund-raising campaign to finance the conservation of the masterpieces in the Demidoff Collection at the Stibbert Museum, the restoration of the Church of the Nativity, built between 1899 and 1903 by the Grand Duchess Marija Nicolajevna, daughter of Zar Nicholas 1, as well as the restoration of the Hemicycle in the historic Evangelist Cemetery agli Allori, formerly the Protestant Cemetery, which contains the tombs of many illustrious artists, writers, sculptors, collectors and patrons of the arts from all over the world.

As part of the fund-raising drive, the organizers are encouraging offers to acquire ten unique sculptures by the Florentine artist Riccardo Prosperi, known as "Simafra", inspired by Russian folk art figures.

The "ArtigianatoePalazzo" event features over a hundred Italian and international craftspeople and designers, who will demonstrate their techniques and skills to the public.

Open all day from 10-20

Info: Tel. +39.055.2654588/89-  www.artigianatoepalazzo.it