SMIR was a joint project run by the City of Mondovì in Italy and Embrun in France. Its aim was to create new cultural opportunities for contemporary art, building on a highly innovative approach focused on the latest trends in research and experimentation.
The old Church of Saint Evasius in Mondovì, a true gem of Renaissance architecture, was chosen for its ideal location in the borough of Carassone to become an arena for experimental art involving the use of new technologies.
The church was one of the oldest in the entire Mondovì district, though it had been abandoned for almost two centuries and so was in a precarious state, desperately requiring conservation and restoration work to assure its structural integrity.
The Capuchin Chapel in Embrun was chosen to become the church’s French “twin”. It also required restoration work to permit its use for cultural events showcasing cutting edge trends in contemporary art.
The Marcovaldo association was the driver behind the project, which was funded under Alcotra 2007–2013—the European operational programme for cross-border co-operation.
Piemonte Share was entrusted with the artistic direction of works on the former church.
