Discover the Farm Cultural Park in Favara, a hub of contemporary art and urban renewal in Sicily, featuring exhibitions, design, and creativity.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARCO CRUPI

Nestled in the heart of Favara’s historic center, just a few kilometers from Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, lies the Farm Cultural Park—an independent cultural center that has become one of the most iconic examples of urban regeneration in Sicily. This visionary project merges contemporary art, innovation, and community involvement, transforming Favara into a globally recognized cultural destination.

Founded in 2010 by Andrea Bartoli, a notary, and Florinda Saieva, a lawyer, the Farm Cultural Park was born from their bold vision: to restore abandoned and dilapidated buildings in Favara’s historic center and turn them into a hub for art and culture. Their project focused on an area known as “I Sette Cortili” (The Seven Courtyards), a network of interconnected courtyards reminiscent of an Arab casbah.

From the outset, the mission was clear: to regenerate the urban fabric through culture, creating a space where art and architecture could dialogue and offer a new perspective on a city often associated with decay and neglect.

Farm’s mission is ambitious: to transform Favara into a city of contemporary art, attract talent from around the world, and provide new opportunities for young Sicilians. This project goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to awaken an entire community by proposing a sustainable and innovative model of urban development.

Through exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies, Farm serves as a cultural production center that inspires visitors and residents alike, fostering a continuous exchange of ideas.

The Seven Courtyards neighborhood is the vibrant heart of the Farm Cultural Park. This network of courtyards has been transformed into an open-air laboratory for contemporary art. Building facades showcase murals, installations, and site-specific works, while interiors host temporary exhibitions, performances, and spaces dedicated to cultural education.

Strolling through the courtyards immerses visitors in a world of creativity, where every corner tells a story and invites reflection on the role of art in society. The presence of restaurants, cafés, and bars offering Sicilian cuisine further enriches the experience, making it both comprehensive and engaging.

This combination of art, culture, and gastronomy has turned the Seven Courtyards into a major tourist attraction and a venue for innovation and arts conferences, significantly contributing to Favara’s revitalization and spurring the opening of new accommodations and gathering spots.

The Farm Cultural Park is renowned for its innovative exhibitions and events. Highlights include the Biennial of Cities of the World, which explores themes related to urban planning and architecture, and the School of Architecture for Children (SOU), a unique initiative teaching kids to imagine and design better cities.

Exhibitions range from contemporary art to design, featuring both internationally acclaimed and local artists. Events also include performances, film screenings, and talks with creatives from around the globe.

Since its inception, Farm has had a profound impact on Favara. Before 2010, the historic center was in a state of severe neglect. Thanks to Farm, it has become a key destination for cultural tourism in Sicily. Thousands of visitors flock to Favara annually to explore Farm, boosting the local economy and fostering the growth of new businesses.

Community engagement is central to Farm’s success. Through events and workshops, residents are actively invited to participate in the neighborhood’s cultural life.

Farm Cultural Park has received numerous international awards, including the prestigious Curry Stone Design Prize, which honors projects using design for social change. These accolades underscore Farm’s role as a model for urban regeneration and cultural innovation.

Farm’s success has inspired its founders to envision new possibilities. Recently, the project expanded to Mazzarino, a small Sicilian village following Favara’s example to promote art and culture. Farm continues to develop initiatives aimed at strengthening its international network and expanding the impact of its activities.

• Opening Hours: Farm Cultural Park is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Last entry is at 7:00 PM.
• Tickets: Admission is €10, with discounts available.
• Getting There: Favara is located about 10 km from Agrigento and can be reached by car via State Road 122.
• Events and Exhibitions: Farm hosts a variety of exhibitions and events year-round. For updated information, visit the official website or contact the center directly.
• Amenities: On-site facilities include exhibition spaces, artist residencies, workshop areas, cocktail bars, and vintage shops. Spaces are also available for events, book presentations, and architecture courses.

Tips for Visiting

• Duration: Allocate at least 1-2 hours to explore the park and its installations.
• Attire: Wear comfortable shoes, as the visit involves walking between courtyards and exhibition spaces.
• Photography: The park offers numerous photo opportunities; bring a camera or smartphone to capture highlights.

Nearby Attractions: In addition to the Farm Cultural Park, Favara offers other points of interest, such as the Chiaramonte Castle and the Mother Church. Its proximity to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento makes Favara an ideal stop to enrich your cultural itinerary in Sicily.

CONTACT FARM CULTURAL PARK

• Address: Cortile Bentivegna, Sette Cortili, 92026 Favara (AG)
• ItalyPhone: +39 0922 34534
• Email: info@farm-culturalpark.com
• Website: farmculturalpark.com