FONTECCHIO INTERNATIONAL
3-month creative live/work exchange opportunity

Opening June 2025
(longer term and future dates are also negotiable)

The Fontecchio International Airport is an ongoing cultural project dedicated to hosting international artists and travelers in the small mountain village of Fontecchio, Abruzzo, Italy. We are offering a live/work exchange for a creative spirit interested in working with us and spending time in our village. In this exchange, you will have a private apartment with access to a large interior courtyard. The responsibilities are a combination of groundskeeping and welcoming guests. The work requires only 6-10 hours per week, with tasks that are simple and straightforward, but nonetheless still essential to the running of our operations. The only expense for which you are responsible is that of your gas usage (electricity, wifi, recycling are complimentary).

Apart from our formal arrangement/agreement, we are open to helping to facilitate a specific interest you may have. Be it related to local arts and culture or hiking in the surrounding territory, we can help put you in touch with people involved in these areas. 

"The apartment is quite unique. It has everything you could need and also it has its own relaxing and inspiring vibe. I was living there for months and it was fun! 

I could arrange my own place to play music (I play Japanese traditional bamboo flute) and I figured out a small but functional space upstairs (the "perch"). The amount of light is not huge, but it gives you that dreamy and calm atmosphere which, for me, was crucial for creativity.

Also, the groundskeeper responsibilities were part of a self-caring aspect which everyone should care about and it was not overwhelming at all. Overall, it was a nice experience that gives you the possibility to live in one of the most inspiring villages of Abruzzo, immersed in an artistic and creative environment. P.S. I loved to care about the pets, Bugsy the dog will come with you everywhere and Blu the cat is so lovely and cute!"

- Fabrizio Valente, April 2025

Groundskeeping responsibilities include: giving loving attention to the care of the courtyard and exterior of the palazzo, regularly sweeping communal areas, watering/caring for the pants, feeding Mr. Bugsy and Blu (our house pets), putting out recycling according to the daily schedule, and documenting the gas/water meter once a month (simply taking a photo). In addition each to give a quick overview to each apartment once guests have left, simply to ascertain that the apartment is well kept (or to note if it was left in disarray). This is for the purposes of us being able to write a review for each guest after their stay. 

Guest welcome responsibilities include: monitoring the message threads on Airbnb or when guests arrive and offering a friendly welcome when you see them. We have a self check-in system for guest arrival, so they are able to arrive and get settled of their own accord. We simply want to let them know that we have a person on site should they have a particular question or need. It is important to be attentive and to assist on occasions when something might be needed, however, these are usually very minor matters. 

Communications: Along with the above responsibilities, we keep regular communication with one another to ensure everything is running smoothly. This includes a brief weekly update message (via whatsapp) confirming various responsibilities have been attended, noting if there are any needs (for supplies, repairs, etc.). We have a three-way whatsapp group for this purpose. 

For inquiries or more information, contact: fontecchio.international@gmail.com