CUMEDIAE´s Project update:

From Selection to Exhibition -

The MANIFEST Artistic Journey

At CUMEDIAE, we’re honoured to celebrate the journey of Project MANIFEST and its powerful conclusion with the ‘Afterimages and Perspectives of Colonial Enslavement’ exhibition in Nantes.



Over the past two years, our team has supported this ambitious project, which brought together 22 remarkable artists selected to reinterpret the history of the transatlantic trade of enslaved people. Through their art, they’ve created profound, moving works that prompt reflection and dialogue.



Together with our partners Khora, Les Anneaux de la Mémoire, Pro Progressione and Gerardor, CUMEDIAE facilitated this artistic journey that sought to create a new collective narrative that challenges conventional perspectives. This included three immersive residencies in Budapest/Zsennye, Copenhagen, and Lisbon, where the artists delved into the complex histories connecting these cities to the transatlantic trade. These residencies enabled them to uncover and express untold stories that continue to shape European memory.



The exhibition in Nantes, a city with historic ties to this shared past, offered a vital space for these conversations. The impact of the exhibition extended beyond the gallery walls, sparking public dialogue on how history resonates in today’s world.



Although the exhibition has concluded, CUMEDIAE remains committed to supporting these discussions, knowing that the insights and exchanges sparked by Project MANIFEST will continue to resonate and inspire.

CUMEDIAE’s Project Butterfly Second Artistic Residency in Modena: Approaching the Final Production of Opera

At CUMEDIAE, we’re proud to see Project Butterfly coming to life! 



From October 16th to 20th, Modena welcomed the second artists residency of Project Butterfly, where composers, librettists, and designers got down to work at Teatro Comunale Modena Pavarotti-Freni to bring our sustainable opera concept closer to reality.



One of the best parts? Local students from Selmi High School, who originally came up with the opera’s storyline, met with librettist Vincenzo De Vivo and composer Marco Attura. It was a fun, hands-on way to connect young minds with the creative process.



Over the four days, our teams from Italy, Finland, and Poland worked closely with directors and designers to make sure every part of the production reflects our sustainability goals.



We can’t wait for you to see what’s next for our Project Butterfly!

Echo Online Forum Vol. 3

CUMEDIAE had the pleasure of taking part in the third and final instalment of the ECHO Academies Online Forum on October 31, 2024.



The Forum, titled "Legitimacy of Art Nouveau Today: Cross-Disciplinary Dialogues in the Arts and Crafts," wrapped up the inspiring journey of the ECHO Academies residency program, which brought together 40 European artists across four disciplines—Music, Comics, Fashion Design, and Photography & Architecture.



The event featured an engaging interdisciplinary panel discussion featuring experienced artists and cultural leaders, including Francisco Afonso, JP Narciso Lucian, Aristaios Tsousis, Saso Povoski, and Anastazia. Together, they explored the enduring relevance of Art Nouveau, exploring how its principles resonate today, especially in terms of sustainability and the role of art in raising social awareness.



In the forum's second segment, the 12 talented artists selected from the residencies took the virtual stage to present their projects, moderated by ECHO’s partner organisations—InterAlia (Greece), Open Space Foundation (Bulgaria), Sfera International (North Macedonia), and Pro Progressione (Hungary).

This inspiring forum closed the chapter on a successful series of events that have fostered international dialogue and creative exchange, a mission CUMEDIAE is proud to support. As this chapter of ECHO Academies ends, we look forward to seeing how these artists continue to shape the future of European arts and culture.