Here's a look at our ongoing, past, and upcoming initiatives.
Friends of Potentino advances interdisciplinary projects that illuminate the valley’s land, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. Through archaeology, art and film, youth engagement, scientific research, and educational partnerships with leading universities and institutes, we support work deeply invested in this unique valleysphere.
2026 Overview of Programs and Projects
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Launch of Perpetuum Potentino with the Kunstverein Ludwigshafen
Perpetuum Potentino is an artist residency launched by Kunstverein Ludwigshafen in partnership with Friends of Potentino. Each year, an invited artist lives and works for a month at the castle, exploring its Etruscan, medieval, and contemporary histories, surrounding landscape, and local knowledge. The residency, inspired by the concept of perpetuum mobile, fosters continuous artistic exchange. Find out more about the partnership here.
The first resident, Monilola Olayemi Ilupeju, a Nigerian-American artist and writer based in Berlin, works across painting, writing, performance, and installation, exploring intimacy, violence, healing, and cultural identity, often using natural surfaces imbued with their own histories.
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Dartmouth College Returns
Professor Nicola Camerlenghi (Associate Professor of the History of Architecture at Dartmouth), and his team will return to continue their research on medieval architecture, with a particular focus on historic religious edifices. During this phase of the project, we hope to start the excavations of the Franciscan convent of the Colombaio, located above the castle.
This is a Potentino Exploration Project collaboration with Dartmouth College to save a very special thirteenth-century Franciscan convent.
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Susan Barbour & Michael Nordstrand (Academics-in-Residence)
Continuation of the “smell report” by Susan Barbour, this year accompanied by Michael Nordstand, an academic perfumer and founder of Mythologist Studio, to capture Potentino’s unique biodiversity, contributing to an illustrated olfactory field guide. This year, we will be looking at medieval medicinal plants and scents in the valley.
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The FILO Project & Potentino Press
In 2026, Erika Comina’s interviews and photographs of the valley’s older generation will culminate in a book published by Potentino Press, accompanied by an exhibition of the photographs. Supported by Friends of Potentino, the project preserves local memory while engaging both local and international audiences, emphasizing the importance of documenting lived experiences to sustain cultural identity in communities at risk of disappearing.
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Potentino Exploration Project
Exploration continues in the area above the castle, with several sites proposed for excavation. Dr. Gregory Warden (SMU) and Professor Phil Perkins (The Open University) will return with students to investigate potential archaeological sites.
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Lucas Gutierrez (Artist-in-Residence)
Lucas continues The Denizens Project with Part 3 of his live nature documentary of the Potentino Valley, incorporating expanded laser work and bioacoustic recordings to raise awareness of—and advocate for—the valley’s living landscape. See how Part 2 went when projected across the valley at On The Walls Documentary Festival last August.
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Karen Bergman (Artist-in-Residence)
Former volunteer and artist behind the castle’s cosmological ceiling, Karen continues her research into the valley’s fauna through a large-scale botanical mural in the castle chapel. As the chapel is increasingly used for courses, residencies, lectures, and dining, the mural will serve as both an educational resource and a living reminder of Potentino’s ecosystem.
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Three Potentino Press Publications
This year, we aim to publish three books with Potentino Press around the FILO project and beyond:
1. Cultural Heritage Memories – a compilation of the stories and photos Erika has collected aronud the FILO project.
2. Archaeology of the Area – commentary on Prof. Phil Perkins’ and Dr. Greg Warden’s research on the Seggiano valley.
3. About Dionysus – showcasing the research of ex-volunteer Thomas Brisotw on the history and nature of Dionysus.
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Volunteer Program
Our volunteer program will continue to engage around 30 young people from across the world. It plays a vital role in expanding the Friends of Potentino network while supporting land conservation and agricultural and cultural heritage education through hands-on work at the castle and in the valley.
“In just four weeks, I grew through meaningful work, true hospitality, and friendships built by working together.” Tommy, USA
“My time at Potentino affirmed the importance of our relationship with the land, and the creativity and responsibility it inspires.” Moineau, Canada -
On the Walls Documentary Festival 2026
The castle’s documentary festival returns for its sixth edition, continuing its growing popularity within the local community. FOP funding ensures the festival remains free and accessible, bringing contemporary global issues to a rural area with limited access to cinemas and cultural programming. See last year’s lineup featuring Oscar-winning documentary feature film No Other Land.
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TAXON Project
In collaboration with Taxon Expeditions, this project documents the biodiversity of the Potentino Valley. The Taxon team will return in spring to complete the final phase of their pollination resilience research at Potentino. As part of this work, they will also organise a Taxon Expedition at the castle, bringing 1–2 students to conduct fieldwork. This research will generate critical data on ecosystem resilience and the valley’s unique habitats.
Alongside the scientific research, we will share Komarnica, a Taxon documentary about a remote valley in Montenegro—largely untouched by human activity and now under threat from dam construction—at the 2026 Documentary Film Festival. Although the Potentino Valley has a long history of human settlement, it presents striking ecological and landscape parallels with the Montenegrin valley.
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MIIAM Rural Arts Program
Master’s students from around the world studying arts and culture management return to Potentino for an immersive rural case study in association with Bocconi, HEC Montreal and SMU. Using Friends of Potentino as a working model, students explore the dynamics of arts development and present their findings to site leadership. See more from the last cohort’s week at Potentino here. This is a fantastic partnership as it not only brings fresh, altruistic ideas to the castle to help FOP, but places FOP alongside leading universities globally.
2025 Overview of Programs and Projects
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Launch of the FILO Project
This cultural heritage and memory landscape initiative, led by Erika Comina, weaves together oral histories from local residents to preserve the traditions, memories, and knowledge of the Potentino Valley.
So far, we have interviewed and photographed over 30 locals.
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Dartmouth College comes to Potentino
Professor Nicola Camerlenghi and his team will conduct research on medieval architecture, focusing on historic religious edifices and exploring the Franciscan convent of the Colombaio, located above the castle.
Additionally, a group of Dartmouth students will stay at the castle on an immersive program exploring Italy’s cultural heritage through its culinary traditions, combining hands-on experiences with historical and cultural learning.
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Potentino Exploration Project
Ongoing archaeological research in collaboration with Dr. Gregory Warden (SMU) and Professor Phil Perkins (The Open University). Each year they return with students to investigate potential archaeological sites around the castle.
A georadar team will visit Potentino to study the ground surrounding the castle and explore potential archaeological sites of interest to assist the PXP team.
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Volunteer Program
Celebrating 25 years of impact, our volunteer program will continue to prioritize agricultural and land conservation, along with educational initiatives, engaging around 40 students this year.
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Artists-in-residence
Karen Bergman – Completing chapel fauna mural and ongoing art projects at Potentino.
Lucas Gutierrez – Continuing the Denizens project with a live nature documentary of the Potentino Valley (Part 2).
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On the Walls Documentary Festival 2025
The castle’s documentary festival returned for its fifth year, with eight remarkable films projected across the courtyard and chapel walls, including an exclusive screening of the Oscar-winning No Other Land. Guests enjoyed Q&As with directors and producers, while the Cardellini del Fontanino sang under the stars before Lucas Gutierrez’s laser projections pulsed across the valley, echoing the biofrequencies of our vines, wild orchids, olive trees, and beyond.
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MIIAM Rural Arts Program 2025
Master’s students from around the world studying arts and culture management return to Potentino for an immersive rural case study in association with Bocconi, HEC Montreal and SMU. Using Friends of Potentino as a working model, students explore the dynamics of arts development and present their findings to Charlotte.
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New FOP Team Member
Heather (Charlotte’s goddaughter) has joined the team as a general assistant on the ground from Potentino, supporting FOP by helping manage the volunteer program; coordinating online auctions, social media, website, and press outreach; and supporting Charlotte, as well as the artists, professors, and guests onsite.
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Small Donation Fundraising
We plan to host two online auctions (Summer and Winter) to raise funds through smaller donations. These events are instrumental in maintaining the diversity of FOP’s funding sources, increasing awareness and supporting the global Potentino community.
2024 Programs and Projects
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Pollinators of Potentino Valley (Taxon Project)
Leen Jammalieh presented the results of her Pollinators of Potentino Valley project at a scientific conference in the Netherlands. She continues to look into the resilience of the Potentino ecosystem and its services, and how these may change in the future.
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Noortje Looijenga’s Study (Taxon Project Student Study)
Noortje Looijenga’s conducted a comparative study on insect pollinators, providing crucial insights for conservation efforts. Hear her findings for yourself here.
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Georgie Johnson (Artists-in-residence)
During her residency, New Zealand’s Georgie Johnson was inspired to create Antechambers, blending figurative abstraction, literature, and poetry to capture Potentino’s essence. She shared, “It is a privilege to be a small part of the Potentino project. It is an experience shaped by all who engage with it and, in turn, shapes you.”
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Self-Guided Walk Experience (Taxon Project Student Study)
Rose Ommering created an interactive app exploration of Potentino Valley’s diverse flora and fauna. See the developed app here.
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Volunteer Program
In 2024, we welcomed volunteers from New Zealand, Russia, the Netherlands, the U.S., the UK, Germany, and beyond. Their experiences highlight the impact of this program:
“What my body gained in muscle and stamina, my mind gained in grounding, reconnection to the soil, the trees, and sustenance.” – Will, New Zealand
“It brought me back to myself as I realised how little you need to be happy. I want to stay mindful of the sovurce of my food and connect more with nature.” – Tijo, The Netherlands
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Biodiversity Research
Ex-volunteer now Oxford student Phoebe Reid, investigated the role of biodiversity in controlling the olive fruit fly pest, reinforcing the value of rewilding for pest control, pollination, and natural beauty.
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Returning Artists-in-residence
Lucas Gutierrez – Lucas transformed the vineyards into an artistic canvas with Denizens, the world’s first multimedia installation that translates the frequencies of Potentino’s vines into visual art. See for yourself.
Susan Barbour – Conducted a two-week “smell report” to capture Potentino’s unique biodiversity, contributing to an illustrated olfactory field guide. Here is the story so far.
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Potentino Exploration Project (PXP)
Led by Dr. Greg Warden, archaeology students continued their research into Potentino’s cultural treasures. Find out more about this ongoing partnership.
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Potentino Press Publication
Antechambers by Georgie Johnson – a photographic documentation and celebration of works created during Georgie’s residency at the Castello di Potentino.
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On the Walls Documentary Festival 2024
The fourth edition of Potentino’s documentary festival featured eight compelling documentaries on topics such as otherness, environmental advocacy, and inspiring women. The festival also premiered Lucas Gutierrez’s Denizens project, a visual spectacle projected across Potentino’s vines.
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FOP Funded Mini-Doc Series
A series of mini-documentaries on Friends of Potentino by Dean and Ewgeniya Lyras highlighting the projects, people and activities at the castle.
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MIIAM Program comes to Potentino
Masters in International Arts Management students spent a week at Potentino, exploring rural arts development within an ancient Etruscan site. Their Potentino case studies were presented to Charlotte and the week turned out to be incredibly mutually beneficial.
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Fundraising Success
Our FOP online auction raised $12,145 in smaller donations, essential for diversifying FOP’s funding sources.
2023 Programs and Projects
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Volunteer Program
For over 20 years, Potentino has welcomed more than 6,000 volunteers to the castle. The volunteer programme offers hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and nature, fostering an understanding of eco-friendly living. Many participants have gone on to pursue careers in related fields.
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The Taxon Project
In collaboration with Taxon Expeditions, this project documents the biodiversity of the Potentino Valley. Fieldwork conducted from April to May provided critical data on ecosystem resilience and the valley's unique habitats.
More information: Taxon Expeditions
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Potentino Exploration Project
The PXP Field School provides an immersive experience in archaeology and cultural heritage, hosting participants at Castello di Potentino. The 2023 programme included:
Accommodation and facilities for the July residency.
Art and Documentation Programme covering travel, fees, and materials for teachers and assistants.
More information: Potentino Exploration Project
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Elizabeth Lyons (Artist-in-residence)
Award winning artist Elizabeth Lyons is a maker of decorative hand blown glass objects, custom lighting and sculpture.
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On The Walls Documentary Festival 2023
Alfresco screening in the medieval courtyard of 3 incredible documentaries, in-person and virtual Q&As with world-class directors and producers from around the world.
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Mahine Rattonsey (Artist-in-residence)
Mahine Rattonsey (multi-media artist) created an eco-installation titled A Place of Ecological Worship in the castle chapel.