Promotion of artists - Cornelia Funke expands project for young creatives
For many years now, author Cornelia Funke ("Inkheart", "Dragonrider") has been inviting artists and creatives for longer stays to take a creative break and be inspired by their art and ideas. She has also brought this concept to Tuscany, where she has lived since 2021. Now, the 65-year-old wants to expand this so-called Artist-in-Residence project and invite and foster even more young people in the future. For this, she has bought a farm near Volterra, Funke announced on a Tuesday.
From May 2025, creatives will then live in four apartments and be able to work in workshops on the property. In addition, there will be one day a month with an open door, during which Cornelia Funke will be on the farm in Mulinaccio, signing books and leading conversations with the guests.
At the same time, there should also be a small shop on the farm - with around 800 olive trees - where all the things that arise in the context of the artist projects will be given. From self-produced olive oil with labels designed by on-site illustrators to books and illustrations, as well as ceramics. The conversion of the property for the project "Workshop of Books" began in August, said the internationally successful author. She also plans a forest garden and hiking trails for visitors.
Her readers and readers had a big part in enabling her to realize this project now, said Funke. "I thank all my readers for giving me the courage and means to let my project grow further and now also create a public space. My readers have made Mulinaccio possible and they will hopefully be part of this new adventure."
The novel was the fourth book in the "Inkworld" series and went straight to number 1 on the "Spiegel" Bestseller List in the fall of 2023. Approximately 200,000 copies have been sold so far.
- Cornelia Funke, renowned for her works such as "Artist in Residence" and "Inkheart," aims to attract more young artists to her Tuscan farm, recently purchased near Volterra.
- In May 2025, artists will reside in four apartments on the property, named Mulinaccio, and utilize the workshops for their creative pursuits.
- Funke's project, inspired by its location in the heart of Tuscany's nature conservation, will feature a monthly open door day with book signings and conversations, allowing for interaction with guests.
- The farm's shop, filled with self-made olive oil, books, illustrations, ceramics, and other artisanal products, will celebrate the fusion of nature and artistry that has been a hallmark of Funke's "Artist-in-Residence" program.
- German literature enthusiast and award-winning author Cornelia Funke expresses gratitude to her readers for their support, affectionately referring to them as the driving force behind bringing her vision of Mulinaccio to life.
