Studio Azzurro

Studio Azzurro is an artistic research studio, that bases its expression on the languages afforded by recent technology. It was first set up in 1982 by Fabio Cirifino (photography), Paolo Rosa (visual arts and film) and Leonardo Sangiorgi (graphics and animation). In 1995 Stefano Roveda, an expert in interactive systems, joined the group.
For over twenty years, Studio Azzurro has been investigating the poetic and expressive potential of these systems that have had such an impact on relations in this age. Through video-environments, sensitive and interactive environments, theatrical performances and films, it has blazed a trail that is now acknowledged worldwide, by countless major artistic and theatrical institutions and events. In addition to experimental work, the groups activities are also tied in with more formative experiences such as the designing of museums and theme exhibitions whose cultural value has been recognised at all levels. In both cases, Studio Azzurro has taken care to create communicative environments that require an active and significant participation on behalf of the spectator who is part of the narrative structure, inspired by a use of multitextual approach and a continous shift between virtual and real elements.

La Fabbrica del Vapore, the premises

The Studio Azzurro premises are located in a building that is part of one of the main areas of industrial archeology in the centre of Milan. Since December 2004 it has moved to the spaces of the first section of the refurbished La Fabbrica del Vapore, following the positive assessment of the international commission concerning an offer for tenders published by the council. In actual fact Studio Azzurro has played an active role in the project since the middle of the 90’s, well before the council’s involvment, in the belief that in a city such as Milan there was a definite need for a centre for creativity and cultural exchange that might be open to young people, and capable of housing both experimental and avantgarde culture as well as more “institutional” activities. A space that might welcome a wider spectrum of expressive attitudes including the “younger”, more technological forms of expression.
By this token Studio Azzurro is fully intending to go ahead with structured initiatives that aim to promote and foster the feasibility of the entire project, even outside their specific field of artistic endevour. This is to be carried out by setting up training courses, workshopes, seminars and internships designed to provide an opportunity to experiment with tecnological systems and languages conceived for young people, as well as developing projects envisaged with the prospect of involving the urban and social context of the city of Milan, and helping to put it on the international map.