The exhibition "Gli ultimi arsenalotti" (The Last Arsenal Workers) is the result of extensive research of photographic material and testimonies, which began in November 2021 among the inhabitants of Via Garibaldi in Venice and was then extended to the entire city and beyond. Via Garibaldi, bordering the Arsenale, is historically the area inhabited and frequented by the workers who, at different levels and over the centuries, have worked inside the compendium and are known as arsenalotti. The materials collected through word of mouth among the inhabitants, (photographs, interviews, brochures, drawings, publications, writings) cover a period from 1930/40 to 2015, the year in which the three dry docks of the North Arsenal were permanently closed. At that time, the last 25 dockers were laid off. Their pride in their work led the last dockers to perpetuate various moments of their activities in the Arsenal, taking photographs with their colleagues, on board the ships, inside the workshops, inside the docks, in the after-work area.
The importance of recounting the most recent history of Venice and its Arsenal, as well as continuing to share the extensive collection created and curated by the Kokonton Cultural Association of Venice, convinced Venipedia to create and publish a book-catalogue containing first-hand accounts, historical information and more than 100 colour images. Images that go beyond those displayed in the exhibition of the same name and that invite contributions of new testimonies.
The project, in fact, does not end with this book, but rather, thanks also to the support of Venipedia, continues its journey and remains open to the collection of new testimonies, images, stories, anecdotes.
The book Gli ultimi arsenalotti is published in a square format, 21x21cm, wire bound, with colour texts and images. Over 170 pages.
Enter the Venice Arsenal with a new perspective, order your copy now on Venipedia Mercante (only in Italian language, at now).
The curator: Pierandrea Gagliardi
Curated by Pierandrea Gagliardi of the Kokonton Cultural Association: after studying philosophy at university, he attended a film direction course at the Actor Play House in Milan. Since 1986 he has participated in the Ipotesi Cinema workshop in Bassano del Grappa directed by Ermanno Olmi, working on several film productions. Since 1997 he has been working with Controcampo Produzioni srl, as a director in the field of documentaries and corporate communication films. As a filmmaker he makes several documentary films that are awarded at independent film festivals.
Venipedia
Venipedia is for curious minds, genuinely from Venice. It is an innovative cultural platform dedicated to improving the common present and future through knowledge about Venice, sustainability, biodiversity and the climate crisis. It does this through an online encyclopaedia, articles and insights, image collections, the first and only online museum of historic Venetian postcards, videos and books, digital and paper.
