The cultural association Artelibri, embodied by the iconic Casa Salvini, is committed to enriching the cultural life of L’Ile-Rousse and its surroundings. Under the presidency of Marie Dominique Allegrini Simonetti, a passionate advocate for culture and transmission, Artelibri positions itself as a multidisciplinary cultural centre, showcasing books in all its forms and images through comics, cinema, visual arts, exhibitions, and more.
An emblematic venue
Artelibri has embedded its values and convictions at the heart of Casa Salvini, renowned after its owners who founded it in 1861. More than just a historic building in the city of L’Ile-Rousse, its location in the city centre, facing Place Paoli, serves as a vibrant setting for artistic and literary creation. Artists in residence, workshops, exhibitions, meetings—all converge toward a single objective: to return culture, in general, and literature, in particular, at the heart of the city, closely connected to the lives of its residents, their languages, their stories, and their experiences. Artelibri’s mission is to enhance, transmit, root, and reintegrate reading into the heart of our youths and the general public, in both Corsican and French languages.
Access for All
Artelibri’s multifaceted initiatives unfold year round through in-depth work, giving everyone an opportunity to access knowledge, to escape and to feel liberated. A free lending library, open to all, serves as a tool that makes books familiar and accessible. Three reading rooms are available, one of which is dedicated to children and adolescents. Furthermore, the association implements cultural mediation in primary schools, middle schools, and high schools to familiarise our youth with literature in all its forms.
Towards a culturally vibrant city
Open to all residents, and visitors alike, Casa Salvini is more than just a local cultural space.
Artelibri aims to promote the interconnectedness of cultural, economic, and tourist policies.
In a seaside town like L’Ile-Rousse, the association strives to diversify appealing activities by leveraging the potential of each entity working towards economic, cultural, and social development.
Share, discover & wonder
In the face of the influx of visitors during the summer, Artelibri goes beyond offering cultural activities.It seeks to establish social connections through shared conviviality, spark the curiosity of travellers, and showcase the richness of our local heritage. This work revolves around the transmission of traditional island practices and the attachment we have to our language, our land, and the values associated with them. Thus, from spring and part of the summer, Artelibri decides to venture out of its premises at “Casa Salvini”, and joins forces with “Partir en Livre” (Leaving with a Book), to bring poetry, songs, and readings to the streets and iconic spots in the city (gardens, covered market, fountains…). This outreach is conducted in multiple languages, as we extend our activities to the Mediterranean basin and the world.
Together to live better
Everyone should contribute to the collective well-being. On an associative level, Artelibri remains modest as the task is challenging and would require a more in-depth overall reflection. However, the association firmly believes that engaging in cultural exchange contributes to personal improvement, increased humanity, greater openness to others, and respect. Nonetheless, this alone may not suffice, as it’s imperative that everyone acknowledges the value of safeguarding and promoting our destination’s architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage.
At Casa Salvini and through various initiatives, Artelibri embodies the harmonious fusion of memory, heritage, creative spirit, and the daily reality of Lisula. Presided over by Marie Dominique Allegrini Simonetti, the association passionately commits to elevating culture, in all its forms, to the status of an essential pillar of local life.