As part of the exhibition Africa. The Forgotten Collections, held at the Royal Museums of Turin (Musei Reali di Torino) from October 27, 2023, to February 25, 2024, Fondazione Santagata collaborated with DRM Piemonte and the Musei Reali di Torino. The Foundation provided support in designing and implementing a program of side events that enriched the exhibition with conferences, readings, concerts, and educational workshops. These activities aimed to build a new dialogue with source communities and diaspora communities around a controversial page of Italian history.

African Heritage: A Bridge of Cultures

On May 25, 2023, to mark Africa Day, a conference was held at the Luigi Einaudi Campus of the University of Turin. During the event, three prominent figures from the contemporary African cultural landscape shared insights into today’s artistic, architectural, and urban scene in Africa, its connection to the colonial past, and its ambition toward a sustainable future.
The guest speakers were Takele M. Assefa, Professor of Social Anthropology at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (Addis Ababa University); Medhanie T. Mariam, Project Coordinator of the Asmara Heritage Project; and Bekele M. Nigussu, artist and Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (Addis Ababa University).
In collaboration with: University of Turin, Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of Turin, Musei Reali di Torino, Direzione Regionale Musei Piemonte, Associazione Donne Africa Subsahariana e II Generazione.

Meeting at the Circolo dei Lettori

The Circolo dei Lettori partnered with Fondazione Santagata to organize four encounters aimed at involving authors, intellectuals, and researchers in conversations about contemporary African culture. These moments of exchange sought to create a space for reflection and analysis on various aspects of modern African culture, exploring literature, art, music, cinema, and social dynamics within African societies. Through their experience and perspectives, participants contributed to building a deeper understanding and appreciation of Africa’s rich and diverse cultural expressions.
THE APPOINTMENTS:
  • November 21, 2023
  • December 13, 2023
  • January 17, 2024
  • February 21, 2024
All encounters took place at 6:00 PM at the Circolo dei Lettori.
Free admission, subject to availability. Booking was available for “Io Leggo di Più” cardholders.

Workshops with Schools at the Castle of Agliè and the Castle of Racconigi

Between October and December 2023, workshops were organized for local schools at the Castles of Agliè and Racconigi. Aligned with the school curriculum and tailored to the age of the participants, these educational activities were designed to promote the deconstruction of stereotypes and prejudices surrounding African cultures, while also raising students’ awareness about the value of cultural heritage.
The activities were structured into three phases:
  1. Visit to the Royal Savoy Residences and the storage areas of the two Castles
    The visit to the Royal Savoy Residences gave students an insight into the historical and architectural heritage of the region and provided an opportunity to reflect on UNESCO-related themes. It allowed them to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of the residence, developing a sense of pride and connection with local heritage.
    The visit to the storage areas offered students a unique opportunity to explore and learn about various non-European artifacts and cultural treasures. This hands-on experience allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and broaden their perspectives.
    The visits were managed by the Educational Services of the Direzione Regionale Musei Piemonte.
  2. Interactive workshop “CIAK AFRICA! Unprecedented perspectives on culture, creativity, and heritage”
    This workshop actively engaged students to provide keys for reading and interpreting today’s African culture and society. It featured the screening and analysis of 1 or 2 auteur short films presented at international festivals and at the latest edition of the MiWorld Young Film Festival. This was combined with the firsthand testimony and musical performance of a Congolese mediator and animator to foster a process of decentralization and engagement with alternative viewpoints.
    These workshops were managed in collaboration with the Associazione Centro Orientamento Educativo – COE.
  3. Visit to the exhibition “Africa. The Forgotten Collections” at the Musei Reali di Torino
    A unique opportunity to explore African cultural heritage through the exhibition itinerary and to delve deeper into the socio-cultural themes addressed during the previously completed workshop.
    The visit was led by the Education Department of the Musei Reali.

Saba Anglana Concert

On July 1st, 2023, on the occasion of Somalia’s Independence Day, the courtyard of Palazzo Carignano came alive with the voice of Saba Anglana, an Italian singer and actress of Somali origin.
Born in Mogadishu to an Italian father and an Ethiopian mother, her unique cultural background has deeply influenced her artistic journey. Arriving in Italy with her family in 1975, Saba settled in Rome, where she embarked on a multifaceted career, showcasing her talent in cinema, theater, and music.

International Roundtable

The culmination of the collateral program was the international roundtable “Africa, Culture, Dialogue” – organized by Fondazione Santagata in collaboration with ICCROM – held at the Luigi Einaudi Campus of the University of Turin on March 20, 2024.
A day of encounter among industry experts to discuss and reflect on the challenges and opportunities related to the protection and promotion of African cultural heritage. The insights emerged from the day’s proceedings will contribute to the definition of a shared agenda for future inter-institutional cooperation initiatives.
The roundtable stands out as an event of significant relevance, not only for its crucial role in fostering the debate on African cultural heritage, but also for the transformative impacts that the discussion will generate internationally.

PARTNERS

  • University of Turin
  • Direzione Regionale Musei Piemonte
  • Musei Reali di Torino

TEAM

  • Eleonora D’Alessandro (coordination)
  • Luisa Minero (administration and logistics)
  • Sara Ingoglia (communication)