Regardless of her round-the-clock schedule managing the numerous aspects of the business, Giovanna Furlanetto hasn’t ignored her second passion after leather goods — art.
So in 1999, she set up a project called Furla per l’Arte, an awards program designed to help put up-and-coming young artists on the radar.
Year after year, the awards, which are held twice annually, have gained major visibility and international momentum, also thanks to the farsighted global vision of curator Chiara Bertola.
“It was my desire to support Italian creativity and to give something in return to a country that has been fundamental for the brand,” said Furlanetto. “Over the centuries, Italy has expressed artistic and cultural values that are unique and unsurpassed, so we must continue to stimulate young Italian artists in a world that is increasingly competitive.”
Furlanetto dipped into art at an early age, when she would accompany her father to museums and exhibitions.
“He didn’t drive and my brothers, who were in their late teens at the time, had other interests. I was thrilled to be his companion,” she recalled with a chuckle.
Furla per l’Arte has morphed into an important platform for young artists, thanks to the fact that a national and international jury of curators from high-profile contemporary art museums judge the oeuvres of the artists.
The winner of the current competition will have a chance to showcase his or her works at the Kunstlerhaus Bethanien museum of Berlin.
For the September edition — which also marks Furla’s 80th anniversary — the company is in contact with the curator of Tokyo’s Museum of Modern Art.
“Today it is important to focus on a few projects of top quality because the Italian state doesn’t do enough,” said Furlanetto.
Among the artists from the program who have showcased their work abroad, including in the U.S., are Sisley Xhafa, Eva Marisaldi and Sara Ciraci.
On the agenda for the future is bringing Furla per l’Arte to Venice’s renowned Biennale.