Artist Luca Cutrufelli's venue is now in its seventh year of operation (with many new features). "We've signed agreements with eco-sustainable and green-focused companies, and we'll showcase Sicilian products and history." A corner shop selling "Il Giardino" branded products will soon open. The solidarity bond with Africa, the breath of fresh air international and the calendar of events.
It all began in 2014. There was a citrus grove abandoned for three decades, nestled in a courtyard hidden within the walls of the center of Lipari, a precious Aeolian island, just a few minutes by hydrofoil from Messina. Luca Cutrufelli, born in Messina in 1982, was able to see beauty where others saw only a neglected thicket of brush. Thus was born the club "Il Giardino di Lipari," a thousand-square-meter oasis nestled among houses and apartment buildings. Cutrufelli succeeded in combining his two souls in the design of the venue: that of a civil engineer with a profound knowledge of materials and that of an artist capable of hosting numerous solo exhibitions throughout his career in Europe, including one in Paris, where he lives in winter.
“"We've created an atmosphere rooted in our Sicilian roots, yet with an international feel, both in terms of the menu and the musical and artistic choices," explains Cutrufelli. "All around, there are recycled objects juxtaposed with designer pieces, all connected to the local area, set in a glamorous setting that will be renovated this year. The image of our bistro will be closer to that of a fine dining restaurant. We'll take care of every detail; for example, the table settings will be composed of designer pieces created by Madeamano (an excellent company). Sicilian), the same one that already made our bar counter, made of lava stone from Etna. But that's not all: we're creating a shop, both physical and online, with products largely characterized by the flavors of our citrus grove. From spirits to jams, including sauces: everything will be mandarin-flavored.”.
The aim is to make it live all year round, and therefore not onlysummer, Il Giardino di Lipari. To do so, a line of products has been created, inspired by the very soul of the garden: its 25 mandarin trees. The first product will be a spirit specially crafted by the Sicilian company Giovi. Preserves will also be made, through a collaboration with Trimarchi of Villa Marchese. The venue's official uniforms will also be on sale: shirts made by Giocherenda, a social tailoring company founded in Palermo by young people who had arrived in the city after fleeing war-torn countries like Guinea, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Morocco.
Il Giardino di Lipari has been completely plastic-free for two years (only glass cups are used, and the drinks menu doesn't include straws) and is now relaunching. An agreement has been signed with the Milan-based company Wami: they bottle water in Northern Italy and donate part of their proceeds to the creation of drinking water supply systems for villages currently in Africa, India, and South America. Their bottles feature a QR code showing the progress of individual projects. A project with World Rise, a nonprofit organization focused on marine conservation, is also ready: artists from Paris will be invited for a photography workshop dedicated to capturing a beach cleanup day, and the images will then be displayed at the venue.
As for events, during the summer season, Covid permitting, evenings with live music, DJ sets, tastings, and meetings will continue. Unless otherwise regulated, the event will open on June 1st with a major event.
