DECADOCS is a pioneering research and training programme enabled by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) aimed at reinterpreting the concept of decadence. Traditionally associated with decline, decadence will be explored through new perspectives, focusing on sustainability, transnationalism, and sensoriality. The programme offers tailored intersectoral training in collaboration with museums, archives, galleries, and other partners, reinforcing its scientific and social impact.
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‘Decadent communities: Gabriele d’Annunzio, Fiume, and Minor Transnationalisms’
The project explores Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Carnaro Republic (September-December 1920) as a ‘decadent’ community, that is as a political project in which aesthetics and politics merged to dangerous ends. It compares D’Annunzio’s account of the occupation of Fiume against that of other figures involved in the enterprise, uncovering the contradictions inherent in the complex crafting of historical memories, and explores the many ways in which the history of the Fiume occupation, and the myth of D’Annunzio and its importance for the city’s history, continues to be reshaped through literature, films and other narratives.
The project involves both research at the Vittoriale and other archives, and oral interviews with the local community in Rijeka (Croatia). The successful candidate is expected to present the result of their research in a written text of around 100k words, as well as to contribute to the translation and digitalization of archival material, to the creation of a series of podcasts, and to work with a theatre director on staging a play based on the project’s findings.
Supervision for this project will be split between the University of Glasgow (Elisa Segnini) and Iuav University of Venice (Elisa Bizzotto). The successful candidate will be expected to split the period of their studies between Scotland (2026-2028) and Italy (2028-2029 up to 2030).
The project includes a secondment at the Vittoriale Museum, where, in addition to conducting archival research, the successful candidate will receive additional training and support.
Tasks include:
- Research at Vittoriale and other archives
- Translation and digitalisation of archival material
- Conducting interviews in Rijeka (Croatia)
- The creation of a series of podcasts
- Working with a theatre director to create a performance intended as an educational resource
- Compiling research findings into scientific presentations, publications, and a PhD thesis
- Attending research and training activities within the DECADOCS network
Supervisors
Elisa Bizzotto, IUAV
Elisa Segnini, University of Glasgow
DECADOCS 