2010
About us
It began with a family, a city and a decision not to wait.
In 2010, Andrea Bartoli and Florinda Saieva decided to transform their concern for the future of Favara—and of their daughters—into action.
What began in seven abandoned courtyards has grown into a cultural ecosystem connecting places, people and ideas across Sicily and beyond.
A FAMILY DECISION
“We would not complain or wait for someone else to change our lives. We would do everything in our power to make Favara a better place—for us, for our daughters and for everyone.”
Florinda and Andrea
From a family to an international community
What began as a family decision soon became a collective project.
Over the years, artists, architects, educators, activists, curators, institutions, volunteers and citizens from Sicily and around the world have helped FARM grow, bringing their ideas, experiences and imagination.
Some have stayed for years. Others arrived for an exhibition, a residency, a workshop, a school or a shared meal. Together, they have transformed FARM into an open cultural ecosystem—rooted in Sicily and connected to the world.
Rooted in Sicily. Built by the World.
From one courtyard to a cultural ecosystem
2010 FAVARA
Urban Regeneration
2022 MAZZARINO
Cultural Diplomacy
2025 AGRIGENTO
Human Rights
2026 PALERMO
World Cities
The story continues
What began as a decision made by one family has become a shared responsibility carried forward by a growing community.
The original desire to make one city better has expanded into a broader responsibility: to use culture to defend human dignity, create spaces of freedom and help repair a fragile world.
A new vision
FARM is evolving into a cultural-humanitarian institution: a platform where art, education, hospitality and civic action come together to respond to the urgent challenges of our time.
We believe culture should not only interpret the world. It should protect people, build dialogue and help repair what has been broken.
What we believe
Art can challenge indifference
Art helps us see what society ignores, question what appears inevitable and imagine different possibilities.
Education creates freedom
Education gives children and young people the confidence, knowledge and imagination to shape their own futures.
Places can restore dignity
Transforming an abandoned place means creating belonging, opportunity and new forms of community life.
Culture can defend humanity
In a time of war, forced migration, inequality and climate crisis, culture must stand for peace, freedom, dignity, social justice and human rights.
Farm Foundation
Since 2010, Farm Foundation has supported urban regeneration, education, art and culture.