There is an important piece of news circulating at the moment: Banca Ifis buys the palace in Venice where banksy painted the migrant child. But let's take a step back to get a better understanding.
On the night of May 8-9, 2019, the art world lit up with the appearance of Banksy's iconic work on the San Pantalon palace in Venice: "The Migrant Child."
Depicting a child standing with legs submerged in water and wearing a life jacket, the painting captured the world's attention for its powerful message about immigration and climate change. However, for nearly five years, the work remained vulnerable to the elements, threatened by high water and humidity.
Does Banca Ifis buy the palace in Venice where Banksy painted the Migrant Child? Yes. Let's find out.
Banca Ifis buys the palace in Venice where banksy painted the migrant child: it all started here, a plea for salvation
It all started here, with an appeal for the painting's salvation. The gradual deterioration of the work drew the attention of the art community and policymakers, culminating in an appeal by Undersecretary for Culture Vittorio Sgarbi to save the mural.
Banca Ifis' decisive response
It was Banca Ifis that responded to this call, taking an unprecedented initiative to protect and preserve this artistic treasure.
Banca Ifis acquires the palace in Venice where Banksy painted the Migrant Child: the Acquisition Announcement
Today, at last, the financial institution is making official the acquisition of the entire palace on the Rio Novo, a decisive step in securing the future of Banksy's work and returning the artistic heritage to Venice.
Banca Ifis buys the palace in Venice where banksy painted the migrant child: the dDeclaration of the President of Banca Ifis
Ernesto Fürstenberg Fassio, Chairman of Banca Ifis, said, "We are pleased to announce the purchase of Palazzo San Pantalon, which will be returned to Venice to enrich its already extraordinary artistic heritage.
Banksy's work-manifesto invokes a moral assessment on the issues of immigration and human rights, evoking hope and peace. We want to kick off the restoration work to return the palace to a new look, allowing young street art artists to exhibit their works."
Banca Ifis buys the palace in Venice where Banksy painted the Migrant Child: demonstration of cultural commitment
This gesture not only protects a priceless work of art, but also demonstrates the potential for public-private collaboration to preserve cultural heritage.
What will be the future of the building?
Future plans for the palace include not only the restoration of Banksy's work, but also the transformation of the space into a dynamic cultural center.
Banca Ifis buys the palace in Venice where Banksy painted the Migrant Child: conclusion
Banca Ifis' acquisition of the palace with Banksy's painting marks a significant moment in the protection of Venice's artistic and cultural heritage.
It is a step towards the preservation and enhancement of works that reflect the challenges and hopes of our time, combining art, social engagement and collaboration between public and private sectors.