Franklin University Switzerland is thrilled to announce its partnership with the second edition of the Lugano Dance Project, a series of events that promises to transform the city of Lugano and the Canton of Ticino into a pulsating hub for international contemporary dance from June 11 to 16, 2024. This year's festival, dedicated to the intriguing theme of body and architecture, will feature an array of performances, workshops, and discussions that bridge the arts and academic worlds in a celebration of movement and space.
Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural edition in 2022, the Lugano Dance Project, conceived by Michel Gagnon, General Director of the LAC Lugano Arte e Culture, Carmelo Rifici, Artistic Director, and curated by Lorenzo Conti, is expanding its vision with five new productions. These include site-specific performances that beautifully integrate the art of dance with Ticino's architectural landmarks such as Villa Heleneum, the Asilo Ciani in Lugano, the Teatro San Materno in Ascona, and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli on Monte Tamaro, designed by the renowned architect Mario Botta.
The festival's rich program doesn't stop at performances. It extends to include round tables, workshops, and screenings that facilitate meaningful exchanges between artists, experts, scholars, and the public on the evolving roles of dance, art, and culture. A special highlight of this year's edition is the Tanzfaktor evening, dedicated to showcasing emerging Swiss dance talents, underscoring the festival's commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
This year's festival also marks the continuation and expansion of partnerships with significant cultural and educational institutions, both locally and internationally. The KHR McNeely Family Fund continues its vital support, enabling the realization of this year's festival, and Franklin University Switzerland plays an important role in this cultural exchange by engaging students directly with the world of contemporary dance, coordinated by professors Fabio Ferrari and Hrisanta Trebici-Marin. FUS campus will host artists, serving as a venue for creativity and learning, and FUS students will have the unique opportunity to participate in activities that bring them into close contact with the performers and their creative processes.
Additionally, collaborations have been extended to include, among others, the USI Academy of Architecture, the International Conservatory of Audiovisual Sciences, which will document the festival, capturing the essence of the performances and discussions in various formats, the Bally Foundation, and the enthusiastic participation of the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, further illustrating the wide-reaching collaboration and community engagement at the heart of the Lugano Dance Project.
Franklin University Switzerland is proud to be part of this extraordinary event that not only celebrates the dynamic interplay between dance and architecture but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary art forms. We look forward to welcoming artists, students, scholars, and the broader community on campus for this festival of innovation, creativity, and dialogue.
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