Conversation with mycologist Giuliana Furci and artists Sara Manente and Augusto Corrieri on fungal studies, performance and ecological consciousness.

The realm of fungi challenges our conventional notions of individuality, intelligence, collaboration, immunity, and mortality. While it is being extensively studied for its innovative applications and for its therapeutic properties, there remains a vast terrain awaiting exploration. By immersing ourselves in the study of molds and engaging with mycelium in collaborative efforts, we invoke a rich fungal imagery. Embracing the concept of ‘mushrooming’ as a methodology also prompts contemplation in the vitality inherent in live arts. Moreover, if we acknowledge that performance and theater are akin to living ruins, constantly undergoing transformation, how do we approach their impermanence, adaptability, and interconnectedness within larger ecological systems?

Giuliana Furci, an internationally renowned field mycologist and author of numerous guides, as well as the founder of the Fungi Foundation – the worlds’ first NGO dedicated to fungal conservation – will share insights into her discoveries, advancements in fungal technologies, and the evolving landscape of mycology.
Sara Manente will contribute her perspective, reflecting on her recent projects and collaborative endeavors, including MOLD, RUINED and ROT magazines and garden. Together, they will delve into the intersection of fungal studies, contemporary performance, and ecological consciousness, inviting us to reconsider our relationship with the living world and the transformative potential inherent in embracing the fungal realm.