INCOMMON: performing arts in Italy, 1959–1979

The INCOMMON project, funded by the European Union, is the first comprehensive study to analyse the field of performing arts as resulting from the practice of commonality both theorized and experienced over the 1960s and the 1970s in Italy. Conceived as a five years research project, INCOMMON aims at building an online archive of the practice while acting as a host for a number of activities, including workshops, lectures, publishing.

The visual identity of INCOMMON is centred around the use of the typeface Forma DJR: in line with the spirit of INCOMMON, Forma was designed communally in 1968 by a pool of Italian designers, lead by Aldo Novarese at the legendary Nebiolo foundry. The digital revival of Forma, designed by David Jonathan Ross and Roger Black, allows for a seamless integration of the typeface in the identity across print and web, creating a historically accurate sensibility in a contemporary context.

First published in 2017, the identity was designed by Spa! visual design (designers Monica Nannini, Pietro Garrone, Max Ryan), who also provided the text and images for this piece.