Gian Guido Grassi, curator and collector, leads the association Start Pisa in a series of public art interventions across small towns in Tuscany, including the Val di Chiana, Garfagnana, Riparbella, and Barga. The initiative began with the 2021 exhibition "Attitude" at Palazzo Blu in Pisa and has since expanded to include murals, sculptures, and temporary installations by mid-career artists such as Zed, Ericailcane, and Tellas. In 2025, for Val di Chiana Capitale Toscana della cultura, Grassi mapped a network of artistic interventions across ten municipalities, creating an art itinerary through historic villages. The project also involves festivals, like the one in Riparbella known as "Il borgo delle fiabe," and seasonal exhibitions in Barga that connect with local needs.
This work matters because it demonstrates a replicable model for revitalizing small, historic communities through contemporary public art, bridging street art and traditional contemporary art. By engaging mid-career artists who balance experimentation with accessibility, Grassi and Start Pisa foster dialogue between art and local populations, making contemporary art relevant in rural contexts. The initiative also highlights how cultural tourism and placemaking can be driven by grassroots curatorial efforts, offering an alternative to top-down urban regeneration strategies.