Story: Pioneering Experiential Travel in Three of Today’s Contemporary Art Capitals: Venice, Milan, and Turin

New York, NY (April 17th, 2009)--On the occasion of the 53rd Venice Biennale and in celebration of contemporary art, Pinacoteca New York, the premier Art Travel advisory specializing in cultural experiences, has partnered with IF Lifestyle Management in Rome (IFLM) to present: The Contemporary Grand Tour. The partnership is uniquely positioned in the art travel industry as the first to combine cultural itineraries in the art capitals of the world with the expertise of in- house curators and art market professionals.

The Contemporary Grand Tour highlights three capitals of contemporary art: Milan, Turin, and Venice to provide an expansive survey of current developments in production, curatorial practices, and collecting. The local and international scope of the program and its focus on personal attention will present an intimate look of contemporary art at the end of the decade. Individually accompanied by Anna Di Stasi, Pinacoteca Founder and Director and IFLM Founder & Director, Filippo Cosmelli, participants will experience one of the art world’s most esteemed events: the Venice Biennale.

“The title of this year’s exhibition: Fare Mondi // Making Worlds – says Director Daniel Birnbaum – expresses his wish to emphasize the process of creation. Fare Mondi // Making Worlds is an exhibition driven by the aspiration to explore worlds around us as well as worlds ahead. It is about possible new beginnings.” Presented in the historical Pavilions in the Giardini, in selected areas of the Arsenale and in numerous venues throughout the city, the 53rd International Art Exhibition will include first-time participations of Montenegro, Principality of Monaco, Republic of Gabon, Union of Comoros, and United Arab Emirates. A record number of 38 Collateral Events, proposed by international organizations and institutions, will organize their own exhibitions and initiatives in Venice during the occasion—many of which will be exclusively featured as private highlights of the Contemporary Grand Tour.

Other highlights in Venice will include: the Vernissage Preview, curated visits to the Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Palazzo Grassi, and Palazzo Grimani. In Milan: Fondazione Prada, Milan Hangar Bicocca, Villa Panza di Biumo, Dan Flavin Chiesa Rossa Installation, Fondazione Nicola Trussardi. In Turin: Cittadellarte Fondazione Pistoletto, Castello di Rivoli, Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. While contemporary art remains at the heart of the program, its ethos remains one of experiential travel.

NOTE:
Curated Art Travel™ as defined by Pinacoteca New York, is:

“A private journey engaging a person in a memorable cultural experience that is enriching, intellectually challenging, and an invitation to the senses.”

ABOUT PINACOTECA
Pinacoteca New York is the first boutique advisory to offer cultural experiences specializing in art, collecting, and lifestyle travel. Unlike traditional agencies, Pinacoteca’s Art Travel Programs maintain no set departures dates or preconceived agendas. All itineraries are designed in consultation with guests to create personalized approaches to the history and market of modern and contemporary art.
Complementing The City´s preeminent cultural venues is our experiential approach to lifestyle travel. Partnerships with luxury travel agencies and concierge services in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, and Italy ensure accommodations of proven excellence and private access to special events. Taking advantage of New York’s status as the dining capital of the world, Pinacoteca NY organizes, according to culinary preferences and timeframe, absolute gourmandise dining. Positioned at the forefront of the art travel industry, Pinacoteca NY presents a seductive alternative for those seeking exclusive cultural experiences in New York City and beyond.

CONTACT:
For further information
Pamela Lis Pizzoleo
pamela@pinacotecanyc.com
10 Liberty Street, Ste. 15 D, NYC 10005
www.pinacotecanyc.com
T: 212 747 0025