The Fondazione Mantovani Castorina (FMC) is a non-profit organization working since 2007 to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. It was founded through the shared vision of a group of caregivers and the DAMA (Disabled Advanced Medical Assistance) department at Milan’s San Paolo Hospital, a leading public healthcare facility for individuals with intellectual and neuromotor disabilities. With a person-centered, multidisciplinary approach, FMC develops innovative projects addressing all aspects of life for people with disabilities. The foundation is committed to driving cultural change and fostering a more inclusive society. FMC has built an innovative experience over the years, aiming to promote inclusion through art and culture. Since 2020, it has been organizing the Festival delle Abilità, a cultural and artistic event that responds to a cultural, political, and social demand for making the world of art accessible to everyone—both as artists and audiences. Accessibility is achieved through sign language translation and audio descriptions in its productions and events. This festival also introduces a new way of creating culture within the community, characterized by cross-sector collaboration and co-design with associations and participating artists.

The foundation is actively involved in European cooperation projects focusing on disability and inclusion through performing arts.

FMC’s social art and culture initiatives are carried out in collaboration with artists and trainers Marco De Meo and Vlad Scolari of Contamina APS.