Art, Nature, and Community: Art4Sea Concludes Its Final Residency in Ustica, Celebrating the Fragility and Beauty of the Mediterranean
The third and final Art Residency of the Art4Sea project, held on the island of Ustica (Italy) from September 16 to 22, successfully concluded a series of residencies that had begun on the islands of Alonissos (Greece) and Gozo (Malta). Once again, the artists involved displayed an extraordinary ability to form deep connections with the island, its people, landscape, and the sea, surpassing all expectations. Their engagement with the local community and complete immersion in Ustica’s natural surroundings not only enriched their creative process but also fostered a meaningful dialogue between art, culture, and the environment.
The eight selected artists brought diverse perspectives, each contributing uniquely to the project.
The digital artists worked intensely to gather material for their upcoming works, which will be showcased next year in the Art4sea Virtual Exhibition. Annika Boll, who had previously visited Ustica, conducted an extensive survey of the island to create a video game based on its geography. Carlos Izquierdo captured the island’s sounds to create an audio-visual composition, while Simon Duflo filmed the land and underwater landscapes in 360° for a documentary. Natalia Wilk immersed herself and danced in the waters of Ustica every day of the week, to create a video that celebrates marine biodiversity and advocates for its preservation.
Street artists Mariana Duarte Santos, Amanda Arrou-tea, and Sil/Silvia Gadda collected stories from Ustica and explored the island for ideal locations to create their murals, scheduled for September 2025. Meanwhile, sculptor Davide Galbiati identified the perfect spot for his underwater sculpture, an evocative piece that will highlight the threats marine ecosystems are facing.
Much of the success of this residency is owed to the organizers and the outstanding guides who accompanied the artists. Tatiana Geloso and Alessandro Gallo from Mare Nostrum Diving introduced participants to the underwater wonders of the island, revealing the intricacies of a unique marine ecosystem. On land, Tony (Antonino Tranchina), an environmental educator from Marevivo SIcilia, helped integrate the artists into the local community, providing valuable insights into local culture and environmental issues, and leading them to the discovery of breathtaking spots in Ustica and VR contents of its seabeds. This work was carried out in collaboration with the Municipality of Ustica, represented by the Mayor, Salvatore Militello, and the Marine Protected Area, led by Davide Bruno, who highlighted the alarming decline of coral populations, a theme that greatly influenced the artists’ work.
During the residency, the artists also had the opportunity to engage with several Art4sea mentors, including Lucenzo Tambuzzo from iWorld association, Emilia Brandi from 3D Research, and Joaquim Garrabou, Macarena Marambio, and Paula López Sendino from the Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC). These mentors provided crucial guidance and insights, enriching the creative process and deepening the scientific and environmental dimensions of the artworks.
The residency was primarily organized by Clara Mollica, Lucenzo Tambuzzo and Emanuele Messina from iWorld association and Fondazione Sebastiano Tusa, which was simultaneously hosting the second edition of the Rassegna del Mare Sebastiano Tusa. This synergy added cultural depth to the residency, linking contemporary artistic exploration with Ustica’s rich maritime heritage and giving the artists the opportunity to engage in various activities in the sea, such as diving, snorkeling, and archaeological walks.
The third Art4sea Art Residency has unequivocally demonstrated how art, nature, and community can intertwine in a harmonious dialogue, promoting greater awareness of marine sustainability. The works emerging from this residency will not only reflect Ustica’s natural beauty but will also highlight the fragility of the Mediterranean as a whole, a sea facing increasingly severe challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The artists and organizers of Art4Sea left Ustica filled with gratitude for the warm reception from the local community, whose support enabled an authentic and meaningful collaboration, enriching both the creative and personal journeys of all participants.
