ABOUT RELIGHT VENICE
IT ALL STARTED WITH EAT AND RUN
Eat and Run, the original name of the project, was inspired by the concept of "hit and run," referring to the fast-travel model prevalent today. I chose the name as a reminder of how NOT to experience Venice (or any other place in the world)!
THE NAME HAS NOW CHANGED TO RELIGHT VENICE
The focus shifted from ironic criticism to a clear objective: bringing back Venice's original light, both metaphorically and literally.
Relight Venice draws inspiration from the word souvenir, which originally referred to handcrafted objects bought in a foreign city to preserve a memory or evoke an emotion.
Sadly, in cities like Venice, mass tourism has altered the social fabric, with most souvenir shops now selling cheap, mass-produced items made in distant factories. This has stripped souvenirs of their original meaning, impoverishing both local culture and the meaningful exchange that comes with travel.
THE MISSION OF RELIGHT VENICE
Relight Venice aims to restore the original value of souvenirs and traditions by creating design objects that spark curiosity and foster a virtuous cycle of awareness about often-overlooked themes and places. Its core project, Enjoy Venice, reflects this vision.
Relight Venice encompasses multiple projects tied to travel, aiming to promote craftsmanship and the production of objects that carry history and meaning.
WHAT IT ASPIRES TO BE
Through the creation of design objects, Relight Venice seeks to:
Raise awareness about the impact of our choices when traveling;
Promote a more responsible, slower model of tourism through its products and experiences.
Mass tourism has dramatically transformed cities like Venice, leading to the proliferation of shops selling low-quality, mass-produced items. Relight Venice strives to restore the value and significance of souvenirs.
WHAT IT HOPES TO BECOME
A network of collaborations among artisans, local makers, designers, and artists (including lace-makers, shipyards, pastry chefs, and more) who share the same goals and values.
THE GOAL
To raise awareness about the importance of craftsmanship and artisanal production, and to highlight that souvenirs are not just objects but carriers of ideas and stories. Traveling should trigger learning and personal growth, and the objects we bring home should reflect that journey.
