In 2018, the RIVA Project resumed its collaboration with Pelago and Montelupo Fiorentino, involving both the historic centre and the outskirts of Florence. Its action paid special attention to environmental issues, as well as the economic, political, and social context. One of the principal events was Paolo Masi’s solo show QUI with a display of twelve new site-specific artworks produced during his six-month residency at MAD Murate Art District. Montelupo Fiorentino was the centre of activity for Yuval Avital and the ConFusion migrant choir directed by Benedetta Manfriani, for Tempo Reale and its Sentieri del silenzio (Paths of Silence) project carried out at the former psychiatric hospital, and for Radio Papesse with Storie dell’Arno a Montelupo (Histories of the Arno in Montelupo). The other town crossed by the Arno, Pelago, hosted photographer Davide Virdis (who presented an exhibit in a public space and held a workshop in collaboration with Fondazione Studio Marangoni) and Studio ++ collective art group.
The Murate Art District was the venue for lectures and Italian and English classes held by LWCircus and the Department of Architecture from the University of Florence. The 2018 edition of the RIVA Project opened to the Far East thanks to a partnership with Zhong Art International, and offered a residency at MAD to three Chinese artists, who were invited to provide their specific vision of the Arno River.