The Volterra Project

In February 2019, Cornelia started her Artist in Residence Program which is part of her foundation 'Rim of Heaven'. Back then on her farm in Malibu, California, she welcomed young artists from all over the world, who stayed for a week or maybe even longer in one of her residence apartments, to create together or to just get inspired by this place.

In September 2021, Cornelia moved to a former farm in Tuscany, which had been converted into an agriturismo. FRAGGINA, that's how Cornelia calls her new home. The residence offers apartments for authors, illustrators, musicians and conservationists she invites. There are workshops for illustrators, there is a studio for musicians and an ever-expanding library for everyone.

"In the first year, young illustrators, storytellers and musicians have come together to work and exchange ideas at Fraggina. I have seen how friendships formed and ideas and projects blossomed as lushly as the meadows under my olive trees. In the second year we also welcomed young conservationists, and for a few weeks climate activism and biodiversity were the focal point at Fraggina. We had workshops in animation and illustration, meetings with artists, who came here through my collaboration with a Colombian festival, guests from Singapore, Syria and Ukraine. In a lot of ways, we are living through very dark times, and I strongly believe that only together can we bring some light into the darkness. Together we can cross barriers by putting our experiences into music, words and images."

The project has grown fast. By now it has about 80 members. So Cornelia decided in 2024 to buy a second property, MULINACCIO, which is only 15 minutes from Fraggina.

It also offers four apartments to visiting artists, two big workshops for illustration, print and ceramics, a small space for animation and two rooms for writers. But in Mulinaccio, nature and its protection are also at the center of activities. Journalists and film artists are welcome, too.

"Mulinaccio is run by Nora Stampe, Constantin Krawczyk and Anne Zaghow. Nora and Constantin take care of the outdoors, our freshly planted forest garden, the olive trees and all the wild things who share this place with us. Anne supervises the workshops and helps the artists with travels, materials and many other things."

From autumn 2025 onwards it will be possible to visit Mulinaccio and meet Cornelia for conversations about writing and illustrating and to get books signed.

There will be a limited number of visiting passes available per month. You can find all information here.

It is not possible to apply for a stay at Fraggina and Mulinaccio!

Many artists come by recommendations or because Cornelia noticed their work.

But — sometimes competitions include a visit for the winners. For example "Claras Preis" for young writers and the "Jugend-Naturschutzpreis". Cornelia also collaborates with "LAPIS", an art school in Mexico, and several art schools in Germany.