mille campi

For the second activation of "Convivial Tables", we will move into the southern stretch of the Venetian Lagoon, gathering inside the historic casone (traditional fishing hut) of Millecampi. Here, participants will meet Devy Chinazzi, a fisherman who practices the manual harvesting of clams and explores forms of integrated aquaculture - underwater sea gardens where biodiversity becomes a force of resilience, shaping a more balanced cohabitation between species.

This encounter forms part of a wider inquiry into the potential cultivation of seaweed in the lagoon. Beginning with traditional practices - such as those of the caparossolanti (clam farmers) - means tracing lines of continuity between past gestures and the urgencies of the present. What forms of knowledge can be passed on as seeds for the future? And what errors, embedded in the sediment of lagoon history, can we learn to recognise and avoid?

A portion of the day will be dedicated to addressing the phenomenon of sea grabbing: the exploitation of marginal lagoon waters through unauthorised aquaculture - spaces often hidden from public view. Using clams as a case study, we will consider how such dynamics might affect future forms of marine cultivation, including those involving seaweed.

To close the day, TOCIA! will host a “Convivio Acquatico” where seaweed and clams come together on the plate. Through taste and sharing, we will be invited to imagine new food traditions—ones in which eating becomes not only nourishment, but a way of listening to and retelling submerged stories.

The meeting point is at 10:40am at the Lova bus stop, along ACTV bus line 80 (Venice – Chioggia – Sottomarina route).

Participants who wish can join the curatorial team, departing from Piazzale Roma (Venice) at 9:55 AM on the same bus line.

Please note: the bus ticket is not included and must be purchased separately. We strongly recommend buying it in advance at the ACTV ticket office in Piazzale Roma or via the AVM Venezia app to avoid delays or issues on the day.

The event is free and open to all, but participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Places are limited, so booking is mandatory via our Eventbrite page.

The day will include time outdoors and exploration of the casone, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear, and bringing a small bottle of water.

In case of bad weather or uncertain conditions, please check your email: the Ocean Space team will send a notification if the event is postponed or confirmed.

Casone Millecampi, in the heart of the Southern Lagoon, began as an agricultural estate dedicated to livestock breeding and crop cultivation. Abandoned since the 1980s, it was acquired in 2003 by the Province of Padua, which initiated a significant project of restoration and revitalization.

Today, the Casone is managed by Azienda Agricola Baba, led by fisherman Devy Chinazzi and Natasha, and serves as an example of sustainable economic development and cultural stewardship in the lagoon. Millecampi has evolved into a multifunctional hub: it offers fishing tourism experiences with guided tours through the local lagoon, sharing traditional fishing techniques; provides fish-based tourism and seasonal cuisine; hosts an educational farm; and houses a Science Dissemination Centre established in partnership with the University of Padua, Ca’ Foscari, and IUAV, focusing on sustainable and integrated aquaculture involving plants, algae, and flat oysters.

Casone Millecampi is a completely off-grid island, self-sufficient in both energy and water. It is a place where tradition and innovation come together to explore and reflect the environmental and cultural richness of the Venetian Lagoon.