The Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo has opened a new art space on the island of San Giacomo in the northern Venetian lagoon, acquired in 2018 by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and Agostino Re Rebaudengo. The island, previously abandoned, has been transformed into a laboratory for art and sustainability, with a gradual opening plan that initially aligns with the Venice Biennale. The inaugural program launched on May 7, 2026, includes a solo exhibition by Matt Copson curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, a group show titled 'Don’t have hope, be hope!', and a photographic documentation of the restoration process by Giovanna Silva and Antonio Fortugno.
This project matters because it represents a unique model in Italy that integrates contemporary art, environmental restoration, and sustainability, supported by Asja Energy's renewable energy research. The initiative also establishes a new cultural hub in Venice, expanding the foundation's presence beyond Turin and Guarene, and fostering international artistic dialogue through residencies and exhibitions. The partnership with the Municipality of Venice, including a dedicated waterbus stop, underscores the project's commitment to accessibility and ecological awareness, setting a precedent for bio-museology and conservation in historic sites.