Fondazione1563

Fondazione 1563 per l’Arte e la Cultura is an Italian foundation dedicated to sharing knowledge of cultural heritage and research in the humanities. It preserves and promotes the Historical Archive of the Compagnia di San Paolo, a collection spanning roughly two linear kilometres of documents and images that traces more than 450 years of history, from the confraternity’s origins to the San Paolo Banking Institute. Through research and public engagement, the foundation makes this material accessible and encourages new perspectives on the past.

Its work also supports humanities scholarship, particularly by helping young researchers develop skills for careers in the cultural sector. The foundation promotes multidisciplinary historical and humanistic studies, research initiatives, cultural production, and educational programmes. Its activities include archival and digital resources such as the Digital Archives and Collections, a digital photo library, and a digital library, alongside projects exploring history, memory, and cultural heritage. Through programmes including the Turin Humanities Programme, workshops, summer schools, publications, calls for proposals, and public initiatives, Fondazione 1563 connects researchers, cultural professionals, and wider audiences with the humanities and the documentary heritage it safeguards.