Mission Statement
Supporting art by fostering opportunities for creation, promotion, and the sharing of meaningful initiatives—especially in contemporary art—while contributing to new forms of experimentation within the context of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi.
Developing innovative philanthropic projects that encourage active participation, with a special focus on empowering young talents and helping them pursue their dreams.
Conceiving and designing initiatives that explore the future of cultural expression, in collaboration with leading cultural institutions and creators—such as universities, associations, and foundations.
Board of Directors
ANDY BIANCHEDI
Andy Bianchedi is an Italian entrepreneur and philanthropist. Since 2017, he has managed his family office, engaging in real estate, financial investments, and overseeing companies across various sectors.
As a philanthropist, he has long been actively involved in developing organizations such as the San Patrignano Community, Vidas, Marevivo, Dynamo Camp, and the De Marchi Hospital—seeing this commitment as a common thread that proudly connects him to those in need.
A passionate art connoisseur and collector, since 2020 he has promoted the Palazzo Strozzi Future Art project through the Fondazione Hillary Merkus Recordati (in memory of his mother), supporting initiatives by Italian and international contemporary artists that foster creativity, social inclusion, and talent. He was awarded the Keys to the City of Florence by Mayor Dario Nardella.
An avid traveler and sailor, he sits on the boards of the Italian Yacht Club, Fondazione Strozzi, and Dynamo Camp. He also conceived and supported the Navigating the Future project, developed with the University of Florence and soon to be extended to universities across Tuscany.
ANTONIO RIVA
Antonio Riva is one of the most renowned bridal gown designers today. His unique sensitivity deeply interprets the contemporary world, aiming to make every woman feel special.
A longtime friend of Hillary Merkus Recordati, he dedicated one of his collections to her, reviving the luminous memory of her incredible modernity.
In his ateliers at Palazzo Toschi Corneliani in Milan and Palazzo Grazioli in Rome, Antonio’s universe is daily represented, seamlessly blending Renaissance and contemporary influences. For over 25 years, his artistic vision has made his extraordinary style unmistakable, as an independent couturier capable of enhancing femininity in all its multifaceted aspects.
MAURIZIO FERRARA
Born in Benevento, Maurizio Ferrara is married with one daughter. After completing his secondary education, he moved to Rome, where he attended and graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts. He subsequently collaborated with several art galleries in the capital in various roles before relocating to Milan in the mid-1990s.
Maintaining and cultivating diverse interests in the visual arts, he has been the administrative manager of a prominent law firm for over 15 years, where he has also become a partner.
CARLO CECCARELLI (Secretary of the Fondazione)
Born in Rome, Carlo Ceccarelli has a passion for music and sports. He has worked for 25 years across Rome, Milan, Turin, and Moscow for major international advertising agencies (McCann Erickson, Tonic Ecom, JWT, Leo Burnett).
From 2010 to 2020, he was responsible for internal communications at Deloitte Consulting, from 2007 to 2020, he led fundraising for the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, and since January 2021, he has served as Senior Advisor for communications at Arthur D. Little.
Since 2022, he has been an advisor for the Drifter Group and head of communications for Antonio Riva Milano. He regularly teaches communications at various universities and institutes.