Criòus presenta Cani dal Mondo di Francesca Cosanti

The first summer edition of "Criòus", the festival dedicated to art, illustration, and comics, will be inaugurated on July 8th. In addition to the annual winter Festival, it continues throughout the year with new exhibition and cultural events.

Opening this new phase of the project is the solo exhibition of illustrator Francesca Cosanti, titled "DOGS OF THE WORLD", a collection of over 50 illustrated portraits that celebrate the profound and universal bond between humans and dogs. The exhibition, promoted by Chianche di Carta, Pro Loco, Presidi del Libro, and under the patronage of the Municipality of Alberobello, will be open to the public from July 8 to July 20, 2025, at the heart of the Monti district, via Monte Nero, 21. This exhibition inaugurates the summer season of the Criòus project, which continues with the aim of promoting visual art and new forms of illustrated storytelling in the heart of the Itria Valley.

"The cultural project Criòus, dedicated to art, illustration, and comics, was born with our administration and has progressively consolidated among aspiring young illustrators, teachers (of art and writing), and illustration masters," explains Valeria Sabatelli, Councillor for Culture and Events of the Municipality of Alberobello, and continues, "with each edition, the number of participants grows, and for this reason, we have chosen to once again unleash creativity, to nourish the minds of our adult and young citizens, as well as those who choose to visit our town. Especially in summer, we want to send a positive message about the value of the bond between humans and companion animals."

THE "DOGS OF THE WORLD" PROJECT
Born during the pandemic, "DOGS OF THE WORLD" takes shape as a tribute to the unique relationship between dogs and people, explored through portraits from all over the world.

"With this collection," explains Cosanti, "I intended to celebrate dogs and the unique relationship we can create with them. I want to share this story even with those who have not yet had the fortune of sharing their life with a dog and to raise awareness among those who do not yet know the value of this bond."

The project was launched in 2023 on Kickstarter, the well-known online crowdfunding platform, achieving great success and recognition as one of the platform's favorite projects, thanks to the support of an international network of backers.

THE EXHIBITION AND THE GOOD CAUSE
The "DOGS OF THE WORLD" exhibition presents about 50 illustrations, some dedicated to dogs portrayed alone, others to their relationship with the people or families that welcome them. The exhibition is realized in collaboration with the Monopoli Dog Shelter and the National League for the Defense of Dogs – Monopoli Section, with whom the author has initiated a collaboration since 2024. During the exhibition, it will be possible to "adopt" a signed print by the author, directly contributing to the support of the shelter and its four-legged guests.

THE AUTHOR
Originally from Martina Franca, Francesca Cosanti is a renowned freelance illustrator active in Italy and abroad, represented by ILLO Agency. She has collaborated with numerous publishing houses and advertising agencies, standing out for her colorful, emotional, and highly narrative graphic style. Among her passions, in addition to art, are photography, theater, travel, and especially the company of her dog Pina, a source of inspiration and protagonist of many of her works.

Info:
Open every day
Morning from 10 to 12
Afternoon from 16 to 20