Cross-Border Art Project Unites Italian and Slovenian Vineyards in Permanent Park

The first edition of Ars Sine Finibus, a cross-border art project promoted by Sinefinis, was held at the Gradis’ciutta winery on the border between Italy and Slovenia. The initiative, founded by Robert Princic of Gradis’ciutta and Matjaž Četrtič of the Slovenian winery Ferdinand, aims to transform the vineyards straddling the two countries into a permanent art park. The project brings together young artists who create site-specific installations using natural materials, with the goal of connecting art, nature, and local communities. This effort aligns with the broader cultural program for Gorizia and Nova Gorica, which will serve as the 2025 European Capitals of Culture.

The event was supported by the GO!2025 Small Projects Fund under the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programme. The award ceremony drew significant attendance from both Italian and Slovenian officials, including mayors Marjan Drufovka of San Floriano del Collio and Rodolfo Ziberna of Gorizia, as well as ambassadors Matjaž Longar of Slovenia to Italy and Giuseppe Cavagna of Italy to Slovenia. Their presence underscored the spirit of cross-border collaboration that defines the project.

Several works by young artists were presented during the ceremony. Among them was “Sconfinare” by Sofia Aloni and Lorenzo Lavezzo, which used staves from old wine barrels to symbolize both division and unity following the 1947 border changes. “Spazio di vite” by Chiara Andolina, Tommaso Marchesi, and Simona Tessaro featured a large wire cage interwoven with vine shoots, representing conviviality. “Fortino e Santuario” by Pietro Chiarello and Jasmin Sara Prezioso included two structures: an open fort-like space for socializing and a blue barrel sanctuary housing agricultural tools as icons. “Mucca senza passaporto” by Lili Grudina and Daniele Poli used an iron gate with a cow stencil to evoke themes of memory and crossing boundaries. “Synergos” by Nailia Khamzina and Vanessa Stefan depicted two interlocked bodies made from glass, iron wire, and barrel hoops to symbolize coexistence.

The jury awarded its main prize to “Scritto Nelle Pietre” (“Written in Stones”) by Juliana Florez Garcia, Gloria Veronica Lavagnini, and Tajda Tomšič. This installation used marl, stone, and gold inserts to create an arch and wall reminiscent of the former border. The work aimed to transform memories of division into a passage toward shared understanding. Stones suspended on metal stems suggested a meadow in bloom, offering a sense of lightness in contrast to painful history. The international jury included Salvatore Marsiglione (MAG Gallery), Andrea Formilli Fendi (Candido and Carla Fendi Speroni Foundation), Elisabetta Cudicio (Studio Celiberti), art historian Nelida Nemec, and Alberto Perazza (MAGIS design). The artists received a cash prize along with an artwork donated by Giorgio Celiberti.

Following the awards, artist Marco Nereo Rotelli inaugurated his installation “So(g)no.” Created with contributions from Professor Riccardo Valentini, composer Alessio Bertallot, Slovenian poet Aleš Šteger, Italian poet Valerio Magrelli, and artist Giorgio Celiberti, this work transformed part of the vineyard into an immersive experience using light and poetry. Visitors were invited to engage with the installation as part of a sensory journey.

Robert Princic and Matjaž Četrtič expressed their satisfaction with Ars Sine Finibus, emphasizing that art and wine can serve as tools for community connection. They highlighted Collio and Brda’s tradition as meeting places for people from different backgrounds. With this project, they hope to move toward a sustainable future without borders.

Ars Sine Finibus positions Collio and Brda not only as regions known for their wines but also as centers for international cultural exchange. Through this initiative, creativity is woven into the landscape alongside history and nature, offering a new way for communities on both sides of the border to come together through art.