Returning after a career in the entertainment business, Fiumi, like so many others who come to Florence to rediscover their inspiration, is developing his interest in community building and connection within the walls of Florence. He is the architect of the recently inaugurated “Lungarno Chats”, whereby the stage is set within a question and answer framework, around a chosen topic or current theme discussed by professionals and visiting experts. Afterwards, the audience is then encouraged to ask questions as a way of continuing the interchange. Finding a welcome venue at the British Institute, the chats are a project entirely self-funded and organized by Fiumi.
How do you find Florence and your return?
I realise that I am in a very fortunate situation. Although we have always maintained a family home here where I grew up, I have wanted to come back for some time with my own family and to live in Florence again full-time. After I sold my company in Los Angeles, I had the flexibility to do so.
It seems to me that the city has become much more cosmopolitan these last several years. I am impressed by how many interesting and diverse people choose to live here from all over the world. At the moment, it seems to be a draw for people who are accomplishing important things in their lives and making a difference, and fortunately people who are very accessible and want to participate in the Lungarno Chats. The beauty of Florence is that there is this environment of accessibility. This makes an enormous difference.
What was your impetus for starting the Lungarno Chats?
I created the chats as a way to build community and bring interesting and informed people together for a thought-provoking interchange, as well as to better acquaint myself with what is going on in the city. I was surprised that there are few formats such as mine [outside of those organised by the University abroad programmes] that are open to the public.
I know that there are many stimulating talks and lectures in Florence that pertain to art history or the Renaissance. I wanted to create a type of discourse that would have a contemporary theme at its core. I want to bring people together who are working on engaging projects in any field, with a slant always toward innovation. The over-arching goal is to explore people who are doing new, inventive things.
What satisfaction do you receive from the ‘ripple effect’ you are generating at the Lungarno Chats?
I am happy to create a sort of ripple effect as I love being stimulated and I love to learn and hopefully so are the people who attend. We now have a waiting list of people who want to attend the chats, as it has grown to capacity. There are so many fascinating people in Florence and I love how the chats are bringing them together to discuss new ideas and innovations. Hopefully all who participate and come to the chats will be inspired in turn. This is a powerful ripple effect.
