Biruchiy Cortemilia
Biruchiy Cortemilia
Founded in 2006 on Byriuchyi Island on the Azov Sea in Ukraine, BIRUCHIY Contemporary Art Project began as a platform for contemporary art, artistic production and experimentation. Over nearly two decades, it has hosted more than 300 Ukrainian and international artists.
Although founded in Ukraine, BIRUCHIY has developed into an international project, working with artists, curators and cultural organisations across Europe, North America and beyond. Its partners have included PinchukArtCentre in Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in Poland, the National Museum of Montenegro, Centre Pompidou in France, Flux Factory and the Ukrainian Institute of America in the United States, and Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto in Italy.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the occupation of Byriuchyi Island, BIRUCHIY was forced to leave its original location. The project continued as a nomadic platform, organising residencies, exhibitions and other activities in different countries.
In 2025, BIRUCHIY established a new physical base in Cortemilia, in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, Italy. The residency combines the experience gained through years of nomadic work with the stability of a permanent location. Artists can develop their own projects, work independently, meet other artists and cultural practitioners, and take part in exhibitions, discussions and other activities.
The Cortemilia programme is rooted in experimentation, exchange and artistic freedom, while remaining connected to BIRUCHIY’s wider international network.
There is no required artistic outcome. Artists can use the residency to develop existing projects, start new work, experiment or simply focus on their practice. Depending on the project, the residency may result in an exhibition, presentation, open studio or other public activity at BIRUCHIY Cortemilia.
Artists stay in private bedrooms within the BIRUCHIY Cortemilia residence, with shared kitchen, living and outdoor areas. The accommodation is located at the residency site, allowing artists to live and work in the same place.
BIRUCHIY Cortemilia offers several spaces for artistic work. The main workspace is a large garage studio suitable for larger-scale projects, painting, sculpture and installation. A second, smaller studio is available for graphic work, drawing and smaller-scale projects. Depending on the medium and the needs of the artist, bedrooms and other indoor spaces can also be used as working areas. The residence has extensive outdoor space where artists can work, experiment and develop site-specific projects.
Located in the hills of Piedmont, Biruchiy Cortemilia is surrounded by forests, hazelnut orchards and small villages. Cortemilia is known as the capital of Piedmont hazelnuts, with hazelnut-covered hills directly surrounding the residency. The famous Langhe wine region begins nearby, with vineyards and wineries within easy reach. Local bus connections link Cortemilia with Alba, Savona, Asti and Acqui Terme, where trains connect to destinations throughout Italy. The nearest airports are Genoa, Turin and Milan.