A New Life for an Abandoned Factory
In the outskirts of Rome, an abandoned salami factory has found a remarkable second life, serving as both a collective art space and a shelter for refugees. This transformation began in 2009 when several migrant and Roma families took over the empty complex, turning the factory’s auxiliary buildings into homes. As they began to paint murals on the walls, a new chapter in the factory’s history was being written.
The Birth of an Art Space
In 2011, curator Giorgio de Finis discovered the burgeoning community and saw the potential for a unique art collaboration. He started organizing events and performances, leading to a partnership with the factory’s 200 squatters. This collaboration has resulted in a vibrant and eclectic collection of murals, paintings, and installations created by more than 300 artists from around the world.
Art Reflecting History
The factory’s past is deeply embedded in the art that now adorns its walls. A former slaughterhouse hall, once used for stripping carcasses, now features a poignant painting of hanging pigs. Other spaces and installations have been repurposed into giant playgrounds for the children, who make up about 40 percent of the population at the factory. These artistic endeavors provide a stark contrast to the factory’s grim history, showcasing the resilience and creativity of its new inhabitants.
A Community Facing Challenges
The Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove di Metropoliz (MAAM), or “Metropoliz Museum of the Other and the Elsewhere,” is home to many poor and unemployed individuals living in the factory illegally. Italy has faced criticism for its treatment of migrants and Roma people, and the residents of MAAM are no exception. However, the increasing popularity of the museum’s art could offer some protection. The success of similar projects, like Barcelona’s La Carbonería, suggests that the cultural and social value of such spaces might prevent their inhabitants from being evicted.
A Hopeful Future
The MAAM stands as a testament to the power of community and art in transforming spaces and lives. It highlights the potential for abandoned places to be reborn as centers of creativity and refuge, providing hope and inspiration for other similar initiatives around the world. The ongoing collaboration between the residents and artists continues to breathe new life into the factory, ensuring that its legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and community.
Know Before You Go
- Location: The MAAM is situated on the outskirts of Rome, within the abandoned salami factory complex.
- Visiting: As it is both a home and an art space, respect the privacy and space of the residents when visiting.
- Support: To support the residents and the ongoing art projects, consider attending events or contributing to the initiatives organized by Giorgio de Finis and other curators.
The MAAM is more than just an art space; it is a living testament to the power of art and community to transform lives and create new beginnings.
