At San Vittore prison in Milan, art is already used in some rehabilitative activities through the ReverseLab pilot. This initiative was launched by Off Campus San Vittore in partnership with Politecnico di Milano, PAC – Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea, Fondazione di Comunità Milano, Forme Tentative ETS, and Philo – Pratiche filosofiche. ReverseLab converted an abandoned part of the prison into a permanent contemporary art space, open also to the public, established through participatory practices among detainees, guards, and the city.

ART‑Link builds on this foundation to:

• consolidate the artistic space generated by ReverseLab, ensuring ongoing activation involving the prison community and staff;
• establish San Vittore as a site recognized not only for internal artistic activity but also as a venue for contemporary art production and public engagement.

Core Activities

• Collaboration with stakeholders already involved in ReverseLab to maintain long-term sustainability.
• Implementation of regular workshops, exhibitions, and artistic programs integrated into rehabilitative treatment plans.
• Creation of communication tools (e.g., catalogs, storytelling experiences, temporary exhibits) to foster dialogue with the city and elevate internal artistic practices.

Expected Impact

• Strengthening the relationship between the prison and external communities through art.
• Enabling new expressive and communicative modalities for detainees, prison staff, and operators.
• Positioning San Vittore as a recognized cultural site within Milan.

ART‑Link is part of the Off Campus San Vittore initiative of the Politecnico di Milano, led by the Laboratorio Carcere research group, in collaboration with PAC Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea, Forme Tentative ETS, Philo – Pratiche filosofiche, and supported by Fondazione di Comunità Milano.

Andrea Di Franco from the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies is the Scientific Coordinator of the project. Francesca Piredda is the coordinator for the Department of Design. The team is completed by Marianna Frangipane, Gianfranco Orsenigo, Mariana Ciancia, Chiara Ligi and Maria Maramotti.