10th Edition of Kappa FuturFestival
Turin, the epicenter of music, welcomed over 95,000 people from 115 countries for the highly anticipated Kappa FuturFestival. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this international techno event has solidified its position among Europe's top festivals. With renowned artists like Fatboy Slim, Peggy Gou, and Tale of Us taking the console, the festival showcased the best of electronic music. The economic impact on the city was estimated at 20 million euros, while a thousand individuals worked tirelessly over three days to make it a memorable experience.
Not only did the festival create an electrifying atmosphere, but it also embraced art as a core element. The visionary artist Marinella Senatore brought her thought-provoking installations, empowering the audience through collective rituals. The festival's commitment to inclusivity and social engagement fostered personal and collective transformations, making it a truly immersive experience. As Turin continues to embrace the power of art, exhibitions by artists like JR at the Gallerie d'Italia highlight the importance of public involvement in shaping the artistic narrative. Marinella Senatore's upcoming projects promise more enriching experiences, with exhibitions in Munich, Salzburg, Tel Aviv, and a special commission for London's prestigious Hayward Gallery.
The Tenth edition of the Kappa FuturFestival took place at Parco Dora in Turin, captivating attendees with its post-industrial charm and an impressive lineup featuring renowned artists like Fatboy Slim, Peggy Gou, and Tale of Us. This annual event dedicated to clubbing and electronic music celebrated its milestone anniversary by drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 95,000 participants from 118 different countries. The festival has solidified its position as one of Europe's top ten most significant gatherings of its kind.
Beyond the exhilarating beats and pulsating rhythms, the festival also brought substantial economic benefits to the city and the Turin area, estimated at a staggering 20 million euros. With a team of a thousand individuals working tirelessly, the event spanned three days and concluded at midnight on Sunday.
Saturday, the highly anticipated highlight of the festival, showcased Turin as the epicenter of the global music scene. The Piedmontese capital welcomed over 95,000 music enthusiasts from 115 countries, converging for an extraordinary weekend filled with techno music and endless fun. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, interviewing participants of all ages to capture their experiences during this exhilarating celebration.
While the festival primarily revolved around music, art also took center stage at the Kappa FuturFestival. A dedicated stage provided a platform for the captivating work of international artist Mariella Senatore. Inspired by Samuel Beckett's words, "Dance First Think Later," Senatore's sculpture activated a space of energy through light and public interaction. Empowering individuals and fostering collective rituals, the artwork epitomized the festival's spirit.
Senatore's creative vision extended beyond the festival's stage, as she designed two site-specific works for the event. "Dance First Think Later" was conceived for the Kosmo Stage, offering a disruptive light installation that harnessed the visual language of Southern Italy's illuminations. Senatore's exploration of tradition intertwined with contemporary dynamics, ultimately creating spaces for collective gatherings and exceptional moments. Turin embraced this chaos, adding a unique dimension to the festival.
As an artist committed to social change, Senatore has a long-standing dedication to giving her works a strong social imprint. Working alongside various groups such as Pussy Riot, Black Lives Matter, and Young Lords, she has used art to confront social asymmetries, challenge white supremacy and patriarchy, and address gender pay gaps. Since 2006, her art has fostered participatory and socially engaged experiences, involving entire communities worldwide. Inclusion lies at the core of Senatore's practice, serving as a catalyst for change. She views art as a powerful tool to navigate the world, expressing the finest strings of humanistic sentiment. Through her work, she has witnessed small yet impactful transformations, demonstrating the immense potential of community collaboration. By providing platforms for individuals to flourish outside the confines of capitalist concepts, Senatore redefines personal and collective narratives.
Public involvement holds immense importance to Senatore, who believes it to be a transformative experience for both the artist and the audience. In contrast to other artists like JR, who may dictate directions, Senatore embraces shared artistic realization across every aspect of creation. Assembly and collective participation form the foundation of her practice, fostering an inclusive environment where art becomes a collaborative journey. Looking ahead, Senatore's upcoming projects include personal exhibitions in Munich and Salzburg, open for visitation until October. She will also unveil a solo exhibition at the CAAC in Tel Aviv in November, followed by a special commission for the prestigious Hayward Gallery in London, igniting artistic dialogue on a global scale. Senatore's artistic endeavors continue to inspire.
photography by DONALD GJOKA
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