Maia Marinelli, an artist and cultural entrepreneur, navigates the intricate realms of contemporary creativity, blending art, technology, and social-environmental practices. Raised on a sailboat, she exists in a constant state of flux between the irresistible vastness of the open seas and the intensity of a concrete jungle.
In her art, Maia strives to unite urban and natural landscapes, creating conceptual activist works and interactive installations that physically engage with their surroundings. This balance mirrors her own existence on the edge of contrasting worlds. Leading the H.E.A.R.T. Foundation in Bari, Italy, Maia drives research-based programs that foster cultural development, innovation, and effective communication. Beyond art, she participates in advertising, photojournalism, and active volunteering for environmental preservation causes.
Maia believes that creativity is the engine of life and human evolution—a survival tool applicable in any field or aspect of life. This belief guides both her work and her approach to art, where an artist’s role is both as a creator and a connector, a “conceptual hinge” capable of pivoting perspective to create new opportunities for dialogue.
This philosophy was the driving force behind the creation of the H.E.A.R.T. Foundation at Palazzo Fizzarotti in Bari, Italy, in 2019. Here, Maia draws on her artistic and professional experiences to develop a research-based program that promotes cultural development, innovation, professional training, and community practices. Today, the Foundation serves as a platform where art intersects with social impact, pushing boundaries and redefining conversations around art’s role in shaping a more sustainable and harmonious world.
In collaboration with partner Miles Valle, Maia actively contributes to regenerating a Hawaiian forest, exploring experimental conservation, wild food foraging, and nutrition. This hands-on experience underscores the intricate link between biodiversity and socio-cultural diversity, emphasizing the importance of environmental and cultural preservation.
As a holder of an MFA from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunication Program and a BFA from the Fine Art Academy of Florence, Maia’s work has been showcased globally. Her journey is a continuous exploration of the transformative power of art, seamlessly weaving creativity, technology, and environmental consciousness to foster a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world.
