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
President
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 supporting organizations such as the San Patrignano Community, Vidas, Marevivo, Dynamo Camp, Dynamo Arte, 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, Dynamo Camp, and Dynamo Art. He also conceived and supported the “Navigare Il Futuro” project, developed in partnership with the University of Florence and all universities throughout Tuscany.
Carlo Ceccarelli
Vice President
Born in Rome and passionate about music and sports, he spent 25 years working between Rome, Milan, Turin, and Moscow for leading international advertising agencies, including McCann Erickson, Tonic Ecom, JWT, and Leo Burnett. From 2010 to 2020, he led internal communications at Deloitte Consulting, while from 2007 to 2020 he was Head of Fundraising at the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation. From January 2021 to 2022, he served as Senior Advisor for Communications at Arthur D. Little.
Since 2022, he has been an Advisor to the Drifter Group, Vice President of the Hillary Merkus Recordati Foundation, and Head of Communications at Antonio Riva Milano. He also teaches communication regularly at various universities and institutes.
Maurizio Ferrara
Member of the Board and Secretary
Born in Benevento, married with one daughter, he moved to Rome, where he graduated with distinction from the Academy of Fine Arts.
After working with several Italian and international art galleries, he relocated to Milan. While continuing to pursue his interests in the visual arts, he began a career at a prestigious law firm, where he later became a partner.
Since 2021, he has served as a Board Member of the Hillary Merkus Recordati Foundation, playing an active role in the conception and delivery of philanthropic and charitable events, and providing hands-on support to the Foundation’s organizational efforts across its many initiatives.
Antonio Riva
Member of the Board
He is today one of the most renowned and influential creators of bridal couture. His distinctive sensitivity offers a profound interpretation of the contemporary world, with the aim of making every woman feel truly unique. A longtime friend of Hillary Merkus Recordati, he dedicated one of his collections to her, renewing the luminous memory of her extraordinary modernity.
In his two ateliers—at Palazzo Toschi Corneliani in Milan and Palazzo Grazioli in Rome—the universe of Antonio comes to life every day, inhabiting a refined space between the Renaissance and contemporary expression.
For over 25 years, his artistic vision has defined the unmistakable style of an independent couturier, capable of celebrating femininity in all its kaleidoscopic dimensions.
