The lagoon island, Burano, has always been identified with the art of lace . “A tradition of very high artistic craftsmanship for which - underlines the Mayor Luigi Brugnaro - the request for recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity is in progress. A recognition intended to re-evaluate and enhance this refined production, which locates its origins precisely in Venice". From 14 June, at the Lace Museum, opened in 1981 in the historic building of the Podestà of Torcello, in Piazza Galuppi in Burano, two concomitant initiatives, united under the name of "The thread of the heart" turn the spotlight on this ancient tradition, bringing it back to the present.

It should be remembered that the Lace Museum occupies what, from 1872 to 1970, was the seat of the famous Burano lace school founded by Countess Adriana Marcello. Rare and precious specimens are exhibited in an evocative setting, which also brings the island's typical polychromy inside the Museum, offering a complete overview of the historical and artistic events of Venetian and lagoon lace from its origins to the present day.“ The thread of the heart ” identifies a now unmissable appointment that begins on the very day in which the disappearance of the centenary Master Lacemaker Emma Vidal is remembered. This is the tenth edition of the National Competition " A Lace for Venice " which offers the best of what Italy still manages to create only with the ability of the hands to weave threads. The initiative, organized and promoted in collaboration with the Andriana Marcello Foundation opens an interesting chapter above all because it is intended to enhance this particular creative typology today more than ever aimed at the contemporary both as a language and as an object of art and not just for use . In fact, the Competition, which has been accredited for years, is a point of reference for the Italian companies that produce lace and above all represents an important opportunity to confront and find connections with other traditions.

“More and more the need emerges to clear lace towards a creation unrelated to use but aimed at an expressiveness as an end in itself. The works in competition will be exhibited as always in the Museum and will be the translation of the theme "E lucean le stelle" which will see applications both in ancient and modern style both for needle lace and for bobbin lace ", says Chiara Squarcina, Director Museum Activities Area . The exhibition of the works in the competition will also be accompanied by an exhibition of ancient lace which will offer the opportunity to present some ancient artefacts and also some specimens created by the Burano Lace School.