In Trentino, a hydroelectric power station from the early twentieth century has been transformed into a centre for contemporary arts. Centrale Fies is a successful project and an example of culture for the environment.
A hydroelectric power station from the early twentieth century, partly still in operation, has become an independent centre for residency and production in the contemporary arts: it is called Centrale Fies, a special place that has become an artistic and cultural point of reference in this valley and at an international level. An extraordinary example of enhancement and repurposing that looks to the future, in harmony with the surrounding environment. It happens, not by chance, in Trentino.
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Since 1999, a local cooperative, Il Gaviale, has been organising a festival and cultural events in this hydroelectric power station: and so Centrale Fies was born. Over the years the original project evolved, and today the power station is a place permanently dedicated to art and creativity, hosting artists in residence from all over the world. The building was also restored for this purpose and now stands as one of the most virtuous and effective examples of industrial archaeology reuse in Italy. But let us start with the territory in which it stands and its history: we are in south-western Trentino, in the Valle dei Laghi – so named because nine enchanting bodies of water, ranging from medium to small, are concentrated here – where in 1911, under Habsburg rule, a hydroelectric power station was built. An imposing yet elegant structure, so much so that it resembles a castle, partly still in operation today, occupying an ideal location: between the mighty river Sarca and the Marocche di Dro, the most imposing phenomenon of collapse and flow of rocky material in Europe. An isolated yet vibrant place, historical and modern at the same time.
The restoration followed criteria of cost-effectiveness, essentiality, energy saving and innovation, using materials that would be in perfect dialogue with the existing structure without altering its essence. And so in the former industrial complex, where activity ceased 30 years ago, the transformer gallery has become a space for exhibition installations and public events such as meetings, workshops and presentations; the turbine hall is a large theatre that can, when needed, be divided into two rooms of 200 seats each; the forge, control and mezzaluna rooms are used both as rehearsal spaces and as spaces for the public presentation of performances. Centrale Fies also has a guest house equipped for winter residencies, while spring and summer residencies take place in the former workers' dwellings.
Every sector, every department of the old "industry", is now used to create a new energy, even more powerful than the original. Amid the sound of the flowing river, the imposing mountains and the dense forests, art is brought to life and those who create it, in all its possible forms, are welcomed.
The project concept that animates the new Centrale is innovative and multifaceted: it stems from a reflection on the contemporary, and art is certainly its most prominent aspect, but it also extends to other disciplines, sometimes directed at businesses and professionals too. Centrale Fies makes physical and mental spaces available for shared working between cultural enterprises, research centres and business entities operating in sectors other than culture, with the aim of identifying and activating processes that may contribute to developing new social and economic models effective for businesses.
The best opportunity and moment to see what actually happens at Centrale, and how this space has been enhanced, is in July during the Drodesera festival: an event born in 1980 that initially staged its contemporary arts shows in the courtyards and homes of Dro. From 2000 onwards, however, the festival moved to the Fies hydroelectric power station (Fies being the name of the locality), where some of the most interesting Italian theatre and performing arts companies produce their work. This year's edition, running from 20 to 28 July, bears the title Supercontinent²; all the events can be found at this link.
Among the things we love about this place and about Drodesera is the respect for the environment: during the festival, reaching Centrale Fies by private vehicle is not permitted. The organisation does, however, provide the public with a free shuttle bus service. Because the magic of this place and of everything that comes to life here must be preserved in every way possible.