In 2026, Trapani, a picturesque city in Sicily, will transform wushuSTUDIO into an international laboratory for artistic research with “Gender Roots,” a unique artist residency program dedicated to exploring the intricate dialogues surrounding identity, territory, and gender. Launched by wushuSTUDIO, this initiative promises to be a transformative journey where contemporary artists will engage deeply with both local culture and global conversations that shape our understanding of gender.
A Cultural Crossroads: The Heart of Sicily
Sicily, with its rich background of traditions and historical transformations, has long served as a crossroads where diverse cultural stories meet. “Gender Roots” aims to leverage this unique geographic and cultural scene as a laboratory for reimagining belonging and identity. The program recognizes that the roots of identity are complex, influenced by personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the social fabric of the communities. Artists in residence will engage with local cultures, creating a dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries.
The Residency Experience
From March to December 2026, artists from various countries will be invited to live and work in Trapani, developing new projects that investigate the relationship between cultural roots, personal memory, and the representation of gender. Each two-week residency will culminate in a series of exhibitions, installations, performances, and public engagements, establishing a space for dialogue between the local community and the international art scene.
Artist Lineup and Exhibition Dates
The lineup of artists participating in “Gender Roots” reflects a diversity of perspectives and practices. Each selected artist will bring their unique voice to the residency:
– Luca Ignomeriello (Bari, 2003): 3 – 25 April 2026
Ignomeriello blurs the lines between sculpture and performance, using nets and metal frameworks to explore social dynamics and spatial interactions.
– Davide Dalla Valentina (Verona, 2004): 25 April – 16 May 2026
His work centers on personal memory and self-perception, inviting reflection on the interplay between aesthetic ideals and deeper meanings.
– Mela: 16 May – 13 June 2026
Focused on the interplay of cultural identity and gender expression, Mela’s work will challenge audiences to reconsider their views on belonging.
– Auraiguel (Laura Reyes & Miguel Uribe, Chile): 13 June – 11 July 2026
This duo integrates architecture and contemporary art to examine how space influences gender discourse and ecological awareness.
– Francisco Tomás / Rabisco (Portugal, 1992): 11 July – 8 August 2026
Using discarded materials, Tomás transforms societal waste into powerful sculptural forms, prompting reflections on beauty and value in everyday life.
– Cecilia De Lazzaro (Italy, 1992): 9 August – 9 September 2026
A singer and researcher, De Lazzaro explores sonic archetypes and ecoacoustics, particularly the significance of women’s work songs throughout history.
– Kairigai (Alba Balmaseda, Ines Lechleitner & Kathrin Doppler): 26 September – 17 October 2026
This collective merges architecture, choreography, and multisensory practices through a hydrofeminist lens, emphasizing the interconnectedness of gender and nature.
– Viviana Bonura (Palermo, 1999): 7 October – 14 November 2026
Bonura employs photography to delve into themes of identity and belonging, exploring the tensions inherent in insularity.
– Rebecca Lena (Italy, 1992): 14 November – 14 December 2026
Lena’s innovative works connect visual art, sound, and writing, translating organic movements into drawings and musical notation.
Each two-week residency will culminate in exhibits showcasing the unique projects developed by the artists. The series of exhibitions will open with Luca Ignomeriello’s work, running from April 3 to April 25, 2026, and will extend through the year, culminating with Rebecca Lena’s exhibition from November 14 to December 14, 2026. These exhibitions will not only display individual artistic visions but will also create a platform for discussing identity and gender in a contemporary context.
The Importance of Support | WHYDONATE
For “Gender Roots” to thrive, the support of the community and art enthusiasts is essential. Contributing to this residency means investing in the growth of contemporary culture in Southern Italy. Your donations will help to:
– Host artists in residence
– Produce new works and installations
– Organize exhibitions and public events
– Engage the local community through workshops and meetings
– Maintain an independent space dedicated to artistic research
In territories like Sicily, independent cultural projects often exist only through the participation of those who believe in the power of art as a tool for change. Every contribution counts, and even a small donation can make a significant difference.
A Project that Connects Local and Global
Situated in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a historical crossroads of cultures, languages, and transformations. “Gender Roots” is designed to interrogate what it means to belong to a place, a community, or an identity. Through artistic practices encompassing sculpture, photography, sound, and performance, invited artists will explore new narratives of gender and identity, creating works that resonate with the landscape, history, and contemporary society. The outcome will be a series of exhibitions and artistic productions that serve as a living record of this meeting between roots and future.
Become Part of Gender Roots
Supporting “Gender Roots” means participating in the creation of a space where art, identity, and territory can be rethought together. Join us in fostering this project and contribute to making “Gender Roots” 2026 a reality.
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