Within the context of the exhibition ‘Africa. The forgotten collections‘, which will take place at the Musei Reali in Turin from 27 October 2023 to 25 February 2024, Fondazione Santagata is collaborating with the DRM Piemonte and the Musei Reali to create a programme of side events that shall enrich the exhibition with conferences, lectures, concerts and workshops aimed at fostering a new dialogue with African communities around a controversial part of Italian history.
African Heritage: A Bridge of Cultures
On 25 May 2023, on the occasion of Africa Day, a conference was held at the Campus Luigi Einaudi of the University of Turin, dedicated to the development of artistic, architectural and urban culture in today’s Africa, its connection to the colonial past and its ambition for a sustainable future.
To discuss these topics were invited Takele M. Assefa, Professor of Social Antrhopology at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (Addis Ababa University), Medhanie T. Mariam, Asmara Heritage Project Coordinator, and Bekele M. Nigussu, Artist and Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (Addis Ababa University).
The venet was organised in collaboration with: University of Turin, Museum of Antrhopology and Ethnography of Turin, Musei Reali di Torino, Direzione Regionale Musei Piemonte, Associazione Donne Africa Subsahariana e II Generazione.
Lectures at the Circolo dei Lettori
Tre readings at the Circolo dei Lettori will aim to engage authors, intellectuals and researchers in a conversation around contemporary African culture. These moments of exchange will seek to crreate a platform for reflection and critical analysis of various aspects of African culture today, with a special focus on literature, art, music, cinema and social dynamics within African societies. Through their expertise and perspectives, participants will contribute to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and diverse cultural expressions emerging from Africa.
Workshop with schools at the Agliè and Racconigi Castles
Between September and October 2023, The Agliè and Racconigi Castles will host workshops with local schools that will promote age-appropriate and curriculum-consistent activities to foster among children reflections on sustainability and the protection and valorisation of cultural heritage.
The activities will be divided into three phases:
- Visit to the repositories of the two Castles, with a special focus on non-European collections: the first phase will be a unique opportunity to discover various pieces of material culture and treasures of non-European origin, thus developing a greater understanding of cultural differences and broadening students’ perspectives;
- Visit to the Residences of the House of Savoy: a glimpse into the historical and architectural heritage of the region to stimulate reflection on UNESCO themes
- Workshop: in this phase, students will be actively involved in discussions, group activities and creative projects related to the themes of sustainability and the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage.
Saba Anglana concert
On 1 July 2023, on the occasion of Somali Independence Day, the courtyard of Palazzo Carignano will come alive with a concert by Saba Anglana, Italian singer and actress with Somali origins.
Born in Mogadishu to an Italian father and an Ethiopian mother, Saba’s unique cultural background has greatly influenced her artistic journey. She arrived in Italy with her family in 1975 and settled in Rome. Here she embared on a poliedric artistic career showcasing her talents in film, theatre and music.
International Forum
Scheduled for February 2024, the forum will be the closing phase of the public programme conceived by Fondazione Santagata. A seminar will be dedicated to drawing a synthesis of the research and reflections gathered over the months of the exhibition’s duration.
PARTNERS
Università degli Studi di Torino
Direzione Regionale Musei Piemonte
Musei Reali di Torino