June 25, 2024
While visiting Maremma, I often stop in Grosseto for a quick lunch or some shopping. On my last trip, I noticed numerous ‘for rent’ signs on vacant storefronts in the town center. This is a consequence of the post-COVID-19 era and reflects a growing trend in Italy: shopping centers on the outskirts of towns.
In Grosseto, a collective of artists is addressing the issue of deserted historic areas in innovative ways. Every spring, Collettivo Clan invites street artists from across Italy to transform dull shop front shutters and garage doors into lively works of art. As I walked through the town center, I was delighted to find a roller shutter beautifully decorated by renowned Florentine street artist ExitEnter.
While exploring the historic center for more artwork, I was thrilled to discover many talented female artists, both local and from afar. Some of my favorites include Grosseto-born Nora Camarri (known as Noralismo) just around the corner from the charming bar Quando basta, the bold imagery of visual activist Yele, the delicate designs of Flavia Bucci, and the whimsical illustrations of Costanza Rosi. Her Instagram showcases the remarkable transformations that talent and a splash of paint can achieve.
So far, 52 roller shutters have been converted into permanent art pieces, with more being added each year. If you want to see the artists at work, consider visiting southern Tuscany in late spring. You can check Collettivo Clan’s Instagram for updates on the annual Trame Street Art festival’s exact dates.
Collettivo Clan organizes street art tours in Italian. Alternatively, you can embark on your own treasure hunt by following the Trame Street Art Map on Google Maps. The eclectic styles and themes range from playful characters to striking geometric designs, making it a fun activity for families with children of all ages.
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