Etnia House of Arts is a living, walkable space where art is not only exhibited, but also created, narrated, and made visible throughout the very process of its making.
Located in the restored Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia in Venice, the space is dedicated to experimentation, dialogue, and creativity.
Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia
The restoration of Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia, a building dating back to the 10th century, has gone beyond preservation to bring the site back to life: revealing its deep material and historical memory while preserving the visible layers of time embedded within it. The space thus becomes a living palimpsest where more than a thousand years of history engage in dialogue with the present, allowing heritage and contemporary creation to coexist in a constant and dynamic relationship.
Etnia House of Arts presents a cultural programme featuring exhibitions, site-specific interventions, performances, and talks—some independently produced and others developed in collaboration with cultural and artistic partners. A project that invites visitors to inhabit a space where artistic creation unfolds in dialogue with the audience's experience.
Artist Residency Programme
One of the project's central elements is its residency programme, in which international artists are invited to live in the space for two weeks to create an artwork based on an unusual starting point: a pair of glasses. A unique environment where eyewear transcends its functional purpose to become a medium for artistic expression.
The creative process at the heart of the residencies develops in direct relationship with the Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia, the city of Venice, and the presence of visitors, who engage not only with the finished works but also with the different stages of their development, creating a direct connection with the artist. In this sense, every visit becomes a unique, site-specific experience.
