Art as Revival: 'Young Masters' Training Programme and the Giovanni

Art and training to revive historic villages

The "Young Masters of Art" training and workshop programme, paired with the national Giovanni Girimonte Prize, is starting in Calabria. The initiative involves the municipalities of Castelsilano, Caccuri and Santa Severina and aims to leverage art and craftsmanship for cultural and socio-economic regeneration of small historic centres, funded through the PNRR.

Programme highlights

• Specialised workshops: mosaic, painting and sculpture, and art ceramics.
• Two-phase training: theoretical modules delivered via e-learning and hands-on practical sessions with artists and specialists.
• Creation of original works and acquisition of technical skills applicable in professional contexts.
• An annual prize to promote emerging talents and increase exposure and professional connections.

Workshop details

• Mosaic workshop: total duration 50 hours, with at least 20 hours of practical activities.
• Painting and sculpture workshop: approximately 60 hours, covering design and operational techniques.
• Art ceramics workshop: about 60 hours, from clay modelling to decoration and firing.
• Each workshop accepts up to 15 participants, with potential for additional places if demand is high.

Who it’s for and benefits

The project targets primarily residents of the three promoting municipalities, with special focus on young people (18–35) and women as strategic groups for local recovery. Participants who attend at least 80% of the hours will receive a certificate of attendance useful for professional profiles.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 10:00 on 21 April 2026. You can apply:

• in person at the Municipality of Santa Severina (paper form);
• by certified email (PEC) to: [email protected].

Activities will be mainly hosted in facilities provided by the Municipality of Castelsilano. The initiative intends to connect learning, artistic production and talent promotion, helping counter depopulation and foster sustainable cultural economies in small towns.