Made in Cloister was founded in 2012 with the aim to reinvigorate the traditional Neapolitan arts and crafts, and has renovated a cloister in an abandoned Renaissance church to do so.
The Church of Santa Caterina in Formiello was built in the 16th century and is an important example of the Neapolitan Renaissance. It was transformed into a factory for the production of wool and military uniforms in the 19th century, as part of the industrialization program in the city. After the unification of Italy in 1864, the family owning the factory went bankrupt and the factory became abandoned. The area fell into disrepair until 2012, when Made in Cloister started the restoration of the former church. [2]
The Cloister of the Church of Santa Caterina has now become a space for local artists. It is a cultural cluster that aims to revive local artistic heritage and strengthen the image of local handcrafts. The initiative aims to create new market opportunities for artisanal products that risk disappearing, and to enhance the use of ancient craft techniques. It does so by building a network for creative businesses that fosters interaction between master craftsmen and international artists and designers. [1]
The former cloister is also home to Lab.Oratorio, a multifunctional space for research, experimentation and valorisation of art, as well as Cloister Bar, which offers food and drinks inspired by the Neapolitan cuisine. [1] A range of cultural events and workshops are organised from the building. [1; 3] Moreover, the Foundation behind Made in Cloister raises awareness about the social impact of cultural projects and experiments with the role of art in urban regeneration. [1]
Made in Cloister is a private non-profit foundation founded in 2012 by Davide de Blasio and Rosa Alba Impronta. The aim of the foundation is to restore the cloister of Santa Caterina a Formiello and convert it into a cultural hub. It strives for the creation of a model of sustainable development that involves the local community and enhances local cultural heritage. [4].
Made in Cloister generates income through membership fees. The initiative has created two separate “friends of” groups. One for individuals and one for businesses. [4; 5].
It is unknown how much has been invested in the renovation of the building.
Made in Cloister, project website, available on https://en.madeincloister.com/what-s-made-in-cloister, accessed on 27-10-2022
Made in Cloister, description of cloister, available on https://en.madeincloister.com/the-space, accessed on 27-10-2022
Made in Cloister, the mission, available on https://en.madeincloister.com/rigenerazione-urbana-impatto-social, accessed on 27-10-2022
Made in Cloister, organisational website, available on https://en.madeincloister.com/blank, accessed on 27-10-2022
Clic Project, project description of Made in Cloister, available on https://www.clicproject.eu/clicapp/home/details/3723, accessed on 27-10-2022