I am Valentina, I am 26 years old and I recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies in Rome. Throughout my academic journey, I developed a strong interest in contemporary art, curatorial practices, and the relationship between artistic research and cultural production. At the same time, I also realized that I wanted to combine my passion for contemporary art with an entrepreneurial mindset by creating a hybrid space that could function both as a contemporary art gallery and an international artist residency, fostering dialogue, experimentation, and cultural exchange.
It is for this reason that I decided to begin my Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs exchange at Casa R.A.R.O. in Barcelona, an organization that combines an international artist residency programme with a contemporary art gallery. I considered it the ideal environment to understand how an independent cultural organization operates on both a creative and managerial level.
I am happy to say that from the very first weeks, I have been directly involved in the daily activities of the organization. I have had the opportunity to work closely with the resident artists, following their projects from their arrival to the final presentation of their work. This direct contact has allowed me to better understand the needs of emerging artists and the importance of creating an environment that supports both artistic production and professional development.
I have participated in every stage of organizing the residency programme, learning about the planning, coordination, and communication required to successfully host international artists. At the same time, I have been involved in the preparation and installation of exhibitions, assisting with exhibition planning, artwork installation, exhibition texts, and the overall organization of the gallery space.
Beyond the exhibitions themselves, I have also contributed to the organization of public events such as Open Studios, helping to coordinate logistics, prepare the spaces, welcome visitors, and facilitate communication between artists and the public. I am encouraged to share my own ideas and perspectives, becoming an active member of the team rather than simply observing the process. This has allowed me to develop practical skills in project management, exhibition production, teamwork, and cultural mediation.
This experience is giving me a concrete understanding of what it means to manage an independent contemporary art space. Every day I gain new professional skills and for now I can confirm my passion to develop my own cultural project in the future, combining artistic research, exhibition-making, and artist residencies within a sustainable and collaborative model.