B9 B there
B9
A prototype for the future
On 21 june, a new space is opening at Manifattura Tabacchi: B9.
These 3000 square metres will be merely a foreshadow of what the future holds for the ex-industrial complex (100,000m2 in total), a prototype for a contemporary civic centre: creative, sustainable, and open to all. Last year Manifattura Tabacchi reopened to the public. This year, with the opening of B9, the real regeneration begins, making Manifattura ‘the’ place to spend time, attend events, see shows, visit the workshops of the makers, have fun, dance, and live life, every day.
B9 represents the creation of a new focal point for Florence, a contemporary centre outside the historic centre. By day it will act as a cultural and artistic hub, by night it will provide the backdrop for music from all over the world. B9 is the prototype for the future of Florence, a contemporary city looking out towards the world.
The Makers
art more tied to making
It has been a long-held ambition at Manifattura to dedicate space to contemporary artisans, the makers, making ateliers available for their work and their creativity. We have selected talented people who, through their professions, enhance the art of making, and who are tied to local traditions: art, millinery, tailoring, ceramics, restoration, but also conviviality and cuisine.
The eight new makers hosted at the renovated spaces of the B9 building will be:
Mono, Babaceramics, Bulli e Balene, Canificio, Duccio Maria Gambi, Soul Kitchen, Mani del Sud e Superduper Hats.
Toast Project Space
an independent art gallery
The Cortile della Ciminiera is the site of Toast, an independent art gallery that was set up in the ex-porter’s lodge at Manifattura. A place of reflection on contemporary styles and practices, it hosts original works from emerging artists, opening up wider discussions, and filling the space that exists between the public and works of art.
Toast is the brainchild of Stefano Giuri, an artist who was part of the first cycle of Artistic Residencies at Manifattura, the three-year project curated by Sergio Risaliti which will relaunch with its second edition in September 2019.
Play video
temporary installations
the spirit of experimentation and innovation
The presence of artists and their creative and research activities has allowed the history of the site to be rediscovered and reanimated long-abandoned areas, instilling a new and deeper meaning to the regeneration work that is being undertaken in the area. To expand the spaces dedicated to art, experimentation and creativity, the first floor of B9 will be completely dedicated to temporary installations and exhibitions from contemporary artists.
Linda Loppa will open the new season with the show If I could, unless we – a Nightwalk through, which will run 11-14 june. From 21 june, these spaces will host the video installations Plastic Dreams from 4:3 & Boiler Room.
La fabbrica dell’aria
permanent installation
The installation La Fabbrica dell’Aria (The Air Factory), curated by the Italian neurobiologist and author Stefano Mancuso and PNAT, will be permanently hosted at the Cortile della Ciminiera. Mancuso’s research investigates the existence of intelligence in the plant world and how the ability of plants to communicate and efficiently organise themselves could act as a model for the future of humanity. This was also the central theme for his exhibition The Nation of Plants at the 22nd edition of the Triennale in Milan (2019).
The installation will consist of an apparatus that will interact with the environment, featuring a glazed greenhouse of roughly 10×4 metres and 3.5 metres high, housing numerous plants and 4 air purifiers developed specifically for the project. Air will pass through the glass cases and will be expelled through the aspiration system after being purified by the plants. Inside the installation it will be possible to fill your lungs with completely clean air, creating a type of oasis in the courtyard of B9.
Next to the installation, a system of sensors will monitor its effectiveness in real time.
Summer at Manifattura
A new programme of events
The interior of B9 will feature an event space that will be able to host talks, concerts and conferences all year round, making this first building of the new Manifattura Tabacchi the launch pad for new ways of delivering culture and entertainment.
The stage will be in place for the whole summer in the Cortile della Ciminiera and will welcome musicians and DJs from all over the world, in collaboration with Estate Fiorentina, bringing the winds of change and evolution to the city.
The programme features 50 films, 40 DJ sets, 30 concerts, 25 artistic installations, 10 live performances, 10 talks, 10 readings, 5 exhibitions, and 9 bike tours of the neighbourhood. All of this is brought to you thanks to our collaborations with numerous partners, which just in the month of June include: Boiler Room, 4:3 Boiler Room, Decibel Festival, OFF Cinema, Bosconi Records, Costellazione dei Desideri, Stefano Mazza, Calzino che gira i dischi, Biga, On l’è On
New spaces
A place to live
From 21 June B9 will be open to everyone, every day, offering a new square, a café and a bistro, a place to meet, spend time and have fun. In the Cortile della Ciminiera there will be a green area equipped with wooden toys children to play with.
During the daytime there will be workshops for children, activities and entertainment, and guided cycling tours which will help people learn more about the neighbourhoods surrounding the Manifattura.