A new contemporary art space called Progetto opened in Lecce, Italy, on June 28, 2019, with a solo exhibition titled "fortaleza" by artist ektor garcia. Founded by artist Jamie Sneider, who splits time between the United States and Puglia, the space is located in a 16th-century building in the ancient Jewish quarter of the baroque city. Progetto will host international artists for short residencies and exhibitions, fostering dialogue with the region's history and landscape.
This opening matters because it introduces a new experimental platform for contemporary art in southern Italy, a region rich in history but less prominent in the international art scene. By operating as a project space rather than a traditional gallery, Progetto emphasizes artist-led programming and community engagement, collaborating with local institutions such as Spazio Murat, Studio Concreto, PIA Studio, and Like A Little Disaster. The initiative reflects a growing trend of artists creating alternative spaces that bridge local heritage and global contemporary practice.