Farm Cultural Park is an innovative artistic and cultural hub located in the heart of Favara, a small historic town in the province of Agrigento, Sicily. Launched in 2010, the project was born from the vision of Andrea Bartoli (a notary) and Florinda Saieva (a lawyer). They both aimed to transform a degraded urban area into a creative laboratory capable of generating community, tourism, and social renewal.
Origins and Vision of the Project
In June 2010, the collapse of a building in the historic center—which tragically killed two sisters—accelerated the need for urban regeneration. Therefore, Andrea and Florinda decided to seriously invest in reclaiming abandoned buildings. They were also tired of depending on cities like Paris or New York for cultural inspiration.
So they bought several houses in the center—organized around the “Sette Cortili” or “Bentivegna Courtyard”. Then led the architectural restoration with a team of architects, involving artists and the local community from the very beginning.
Spaces, Architecture, and Cultural Offerings
At the heart of the project are seven courtyards featuring Arabesque-style architecture, connected by alleyways filled with murals and installations. These spaces host galleries, permanent and temporary exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, lectures, concerts, and a wide range of other events.
In addition to the visual arts, the site features cafés, a bookshop, a community kitchen, a secret garden, and an “edible rooftop” where urban gardening and social interaction flourish. The park also hosts a children’s architecture school, strengthening the link between art, education, and social innovation.
Social Impact and International Recognition
Farm Cultural Park is more than just an art center—it has restored safety and vitality to a once-deserted community. Elderly residents have rediscovered companionship and purpose, while young volunteers actively participate in cultural and inclusive initiatives.
The project has received numerous international accolades, including the Curry Stone Design Prize, naming it among the 100 most socially impactful global projects, the Human Design City Award in Seoul, and the Participation in the Venice Biennale in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
Regarded as a “People’s Museum,” Farm is one of the most successful contemporary examples of urban regeneration through culture, sustainability, and creativity.
Expansion and Future Projects
From its base in Favara, Farm has expanded regionally with new initiatives in Mazzarino (CL) with “The Embassy of Farm,” opened in 2022, in Agrigento with the Revitalization of the former San Vito prison complex into a cultural center and in Palermo for the upcoming project in the former Convent of the Crociferi, set to become the “Museum of the Cities of the World”.
For 2025—when Agrigento will be the Italian Capital of Culture—Farm is organizing the Biennale of the Cities of the World – Countless Cities, focusing on global urban regeneration.
Why You Should Visit Farm Cultural Park
Authentic experience: An immersive journey through contemporary art, architecture, and Sicilian community life
Accessibility: Single integrated ticket for all exhibitions, events, and guided tours
Cultural exchange: International artist residencies and ongoing cultural production
Urban innovation: A grassroots model of regeneration with no public funding
Strategic location: Just 10 km from Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples—perfect for regional cultural tourism
Farm Cultural Park proves that culture, social innovation, and community participation can transform entire cities. From a tragic event, Andrea and Florinda created a living laboratory—a “People’s Museum” in constant evolution. The project has transformed Favara into a vibrant and inspiring destination for artists, tourists, and citizens alike.
If you’re passionate about urban art, cultural regeneration, and authentic experiences, Farm Cultural Park in Favara is a must-visit—a shining example of how vision and determination can truly make a difference.
