August 3rd, 2026 — The 2026 fellowship season has brought acclaimed and emerging artists from around the world to work in concentration independently and communally without judgment or interruption. But this time has also seen the return of many Civitella alumni as well!
Back in May, the Encuentro Literary Festival took place in and around Perugia, dedicated to Spanish-language literature and culture with Mercedes Cebrian (CRF 2009) and Fernanda TrÃas (CRF 2025) returning to the city. Also on May 22nd, Advisory Council member and 2016 Fellow Michele Ciacciofera opened his new exhibition in Montone, TERRA MADRE MADRE ACQUA.
More recently, electronic duo Matmos (CRF 2017) performed at Dance City Festival (June 19th to 21st) in Foligno. Watch their set here!
Victoria Chang took some time off from writing and connecting with fellow Fellow Joseph Campana to read at Punta della Lingua International Poetry Festival which took place June 20th to 21st.
Liz Collins (CRF 2023) taught a needlepoint workshop in Assisi from June 24th to July 7th, and came to the Castle for dinner and presentations from Fellows-in-residence Ghazi Al-Mulaifi and Victoria Chang on June 29th.
Immanuel Wilkins (CRF 2025) performed at Umbria Jazz in Perugia on July 8th.
On July 10th, Mouna Karray (CRF 2007) arrived at the Castle, nearly 20 years after her residency in 2007, to photograph the women she met in Umbria during her fellowship. In addition to again photographing Romana Ciubini, Civitella’s chef at the time, she photographed Civitella’s Programs Associate, Greta Caseti and new chef, Debora Ventanni, continuing her project Identity at Stake.
Also in Montone, Annu Palakunnathu Matthew (CRF 2021) participated in Raccogliere Memorie (Gathering Memories), an exhibition and public program on July 11th that explored the stories of Indian soldiers and the liberation of the Upper Tiber Valley during World War II, bringing together art, history, memory, and testimony. Civitella’s Residency Director Diego spoke at the presentation.
Civitella is more than a time and place; an enduring community, and always a joy to welcome Fellows back to the region to celebrate moments and milestones in their careers.