Welcome to the Passion for Italy Podcast. Gemma from Passion for Italy Travel is interviewing Stephen Copeland and Meredith Brice – both amazing Australian artists, who have renovated and restored a beautiful apartment La Bella Casa in Conzano, situated in the wine region of Monferato, in the region Piemonte in Italy. They also off Heritage Collage Workshops and have created a Migration Art Musuem in Conzano. The couple are currently departing for Italy to also renovate an old barn to become more workspace for the project.
1. A Creative Residency in Conzano 993 · Passion For Italy Travel
The couple have opened up their lovely apartment to become the Quentin Bryce Creative residency for certain months of the year.
The Creative in-Residence Program is intended to be diverse and be offered to all individuals involved in the arts, literature and all areas that has at its heart - "to make and create more humane society".
Successful applicants can also use the time to write a memory, a heritage story or research their family migratory history, any from of creative research and development is encouraged. Become part of the Migration as Art Museum alumni.
The discussion focuses on the residency program in Conzano, Italy, where participants can engage in research or reflection in a supportive environment. Stephen Copland explained that the program is open to anyone who aligns with the goal of serving others, regardless of their background or field of research, and emphasized that the location offers a traditional and authentic Italian experience.
He describes Conzano's proximity to larger towns, its accessibility by public transport, and the cultural activities available in the area, including music and art events. Gemma inquired about the logistics and amenities, and Stephen provided details about the village's facilities and the program's cost, which covers the expenses of running the apartment for a month.
2. Art Workshops for Heritage and Ancestry Stories
International Heritage Book Workshop Piemonte · Passion For Italy Travel
Stephen Copland discussed his Landscape of Heritage Workshop, which grew out of his personal art practice and interest in tracing his grandmother's family history from Cuba to Lebanon. He explaines how he transformed his grandmother's diary and postcard album into visual art, using collage techniques and simple shadow printing methods. The workshop, which includes an educational component, encourages participants to explore their own heritage through visual storytelling, using methods like lifelines and abstraction to create personal visual objects.
Stephen and Meredith describe the art workshops, that help participants explore their family histories and migration stories through visual art, noting that the workshops are particularly powerful for those, who lack family connections. He explains that while the workshops began in Austria and have been adapted for different languages and cultures, the universal language of art allows participants to express complex emotions and stories through visual means.
3. Migration Art Museum in Conzano.
https://migrationasartmuseum.au/
Stephen and Meredith discussed the establishment of a migration art museum in Italy, which was supported by the mayor Emmanuel de Maria. The museum, located in a restored apartment, focuses on themes of heritage, migration, and cultural exchange. Copland highlighted the importance of empathy and soft diplomacy through art, referencing works like "The Raft of the Medusa" and a transit show in Dubai. The Museum has attracted interest from a lot of people and the couple are taking over more art work from the workshops to put in their Art Museum
You can see the art works and workshops of Stephen Copeland and Meredith Brice here.
https://migrationasartmuseum.au/
