The visual representation of a theatrical event, as a whole, is the result of complex creative processes. Embracing the concept of preservation, the aim of Immaginari visivi per un teatro di relazioni (Visual imagery for a theatre of relations) is to preserve and make accessibile thousands of images that document this activity, as well as related figures and organisations.

The project, the winner of Strategia Fotografia 2022, promoted by the Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea at the Ministry of Culture, involved collaboration with the Accademia Teatro alla Scala, the CAeB Cooperative, the I-Crea Academy – Fondazione ITS, Soprintendenza Archivistica e Bibliografica della Lombardia. 

The project takes its cue from a series of key questions; what are the processes that, in the creation of theatrical memory, are brought to light, and which remain hidden, invisible to the means used for recording? How can records of activities within and external to the theatre, resulting from relations with other institutions, be protected and analysed?
Through an analysis of present conservation-related issues concerning historical photographic materials, we examined the forms, context and reasons for preservation. The aim was to preserve the documentary material while bringing forth the complexity and breadth of the items produced.
The principal task was to reorganise a section of the photographic archive, the personal Archive of Luigi Ciminaghi, examining both the physical aspects of the materials and their underlying narrative. Focus then shifted to an examination of the current activities of the organisation, studying possible ways to document the courses run by the Scuola di Teatro Luca Ronconi.

Luigi Ciminaghi and other theatres

The present-day practice of visual communication

The project is the winner of Strategia Fotografia 2022, promoted by the Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea at the Ministry of Culture