Absentia – Exploring the Absence is a non-profit organisation based in Stintino, a small village in northwestern Sardinia, Italy. Founded in 2022, its mission is to revitalise rural and remote communities by transforming perceived absences—such as depopulation, seasonal tourism, and fading traditions—into opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.
The organisation creates spaces for innovation, training, and discussion, and is working to establish co-working and co-living spaces to experiment with new ways of working in small villages.
Absentia collaborates closely with the Municipality of Stintino and the Tonnara Museum to create cultural proposals that stimulate creativity and skills in the local area. Through these efforts, the organisation seeks to fill social absences evident in small villages by fostering community engagement and social innovation.
Fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption
Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors
Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities
Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal
Biodiversity and ecosystem services
Project cooperation
Culture & communities for sustainable rural transitions
Absentia fosters social-ecological innovation in remote Sardinia through culture, community engagement, and territorial regeneration.