This video piece was created by Alina Vasieikina - @alina_vasie on Instagram.
The UNESCO Art Camp and Dialogue program at Temple University Rome kicked off with a whirl of creativity, connection, and meaningful discussions. A diverse group of artists converged, armed with their art supplies and a passion for fostering intercultural dialogue. Around half of the group were Italian-born artists and the others were living as refugees in Italy or other European countries. The program provided a platform for participants to express their artistic talents while exploring important themes of identity, bias, and leadership.
The program commenced with a vibrant start as participants received their art supplies and savored a delicious breakfast at a local cafe. Fueled by energy and anticipation, the group gathered to embark on an enlightening journey. Dr. Andi Laudisio, Dr. David Krueger, and Sergio Mazza from the Dialogue Institute, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Hedva Ser, and Artistic Director Jean Michel Armengol set the stage with an introductory session on intercultural dialogue. The lecture prompted thought-provoking discussions, laying the foundation for the coming days.
Over the next week, we saw art become a vehicle for dialogue as participants engaged in various workshops. Following the workshops, the group engaged in a dialogue on identity and asked important questions like “How is identity created?” and “How is identity shifted during migration?”. Through this profoundly engaging session, we explored the shared experiences between immigrants and individuals within their home country when faced with the effects of migration. The day was a stepping stone towards bridge-building and lasting connections among the participants.
The creative process seamlessly intertwined with structured and informal dialogues, creating an immersive and enriching experience for everyone involved. Special guest, Ms. Lydia Ruprecht from UNESCO, added her invaluable insights to the workshops and joined the participants for a memorable dinner ceremony.
At the end of the program, participants shared their artwork, performances, and creative pieces during a public exhibition at Temple University’s Rome campus, hosted by Dean Emilia Zankina. During the closing ceremony, all participants received “Global Dialogue Through Art” certificates and digital badges from Temple University’s Office of Noncredit and Continuing Education.
The 2024 UNESCO Art Camp and Dialogue program has been a wonderful collaboration among the Andorran National Commission for UNESCO with the support of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, Assistant Director General of UNESCO for Education, Ms. Stefania Giannini, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Rome, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Diplomacy, Madam Hedva Ser, Dr. Amid Ismail, Dean, and Laura H. Carnell, Professor, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, and our team of facilitators from the Dialogue Institute in Philadelphia. The program has provided a space for artistic exploration, dialogue, and connection. Funding was provided by The Enlightened World Foundation, a long-time supporter of the Dialogue Institute.
Meet the Artists
