Catanzaro celebrated inclusiveness and aims to become its capital with the Diversity Festival, the project promoted by the Afrodite Association and supported by the Department of Work and Welfare of the Calabria Region, with the free patronage of the Municipality of Catanzaro, Catanzaro Crotone and Vibo Chamber of Commerce, Regional Paralympic Committee and AIPD Catanzaro.
In fact, a unique and special show was staged on the stage of the Politeama Theatre, involving many people who experience diversity on a daily basis, by fate or by choice.
«This project was a secret dream of mine – declared the president of the Afrodite Association, Annarita Palaia, who hosted the evening – The response received went far beyond expectations. We have valued Diversity because it represents a quality, a wealth and the many talents we have had have truly taught us how everything that happens in life must be considered an opportunity and be seized and not immediately to change and improve the narrative of our existence” .
«I thank those who believed in us and, together with us – he added – set out on this exciting journey which will lead us to create other beautiful and significant experiences».
The countless guests created a real enchantment with their performances: Giusy I’m wrongItalian paralympic dance champion; Giuseppe Guerciadancer winner of “Dancing with you” and finalist of “Tu si que vales”; Nicholas Deplano, aka Feet Dj; the kids from the Dream Factory and Fondazione Città Solidale; Ali D’Aquila’s small cabaret.
The show opens with the fruit of the extraordinary work carried out in recent months by the Arte Danza school, led by Giovanni Calabròwhich set up a dance workshop for people with disabilities and gave a real dream to the families who took part in it.
Many synergies were created, which is why they were present Vanna Capurso for the Jester Festival e Domenico Gareri for the Social Festival.
They intervened Antonella Mancuso, president of the Equal Opportunities Commission of the Chamber of Commerce of Catanzaro, Crotone and Vibo; the municipal councilor for social policies, Giusy Pino; Don Ferdinando Fodaro for the Archdiocese.
In recent months, the initiative has carried out many actions aimed at raising awareness of the concept of Diversity. The meetings in schools (ITT “B.Chimirri”, Liceo Scientifico “L.Siciliani”, IIS “Petrucci-Ferraris-Maresca” and IIS “G.De Nobili”), conducted by the educator Roberta Critelli, vice president of Cooperativa Sociale Giroquadro, where a voice was given to those who experience disability in everyday life. Maila Ricca, Noemi Canino, Manuel and Daniel Sirianni and Matteo Laganà were some of the protagonists who talked about their journey, personally or through their loved ones or teachers.
Great satisfaction with the call launched in primary and lower secondary schools: many interesting and exciting works received.
The winners were chosen by the jury composed of: the director Mimmo Macario (artistic director of the Festival and president of the jury), the artistic director of Arte Danza and of the Politeama dance school, Giovanni Calabrò; the president of the BCC and Calabria Jonica Foundation, Giovanni Caridi; singer-songwriter Eman; the director and actor, Mauro Lamanna.
Special Mention for Noah Sisca of IC Don Milani with the work “Aeneas and the oppressive cloud”. Sympathy Award for Nathan Falsetta of the IC Don Milani.
To win the scholarships from the Banca Montepaone and Calabria Jonica Foundation – for which the president of the Banca Montepaone and Calabria Jonica Foundation, Giovanni Caridi and the general director of Banca Montepaone were present, Antonio Dodaro – were: III D of IC Patari Rodari with “Give me your hand”, first place and prize of 500 euros; III D of IC Pascoli with “Viaggi ad Anzares”, second place and prize of 300 euros; IC Mattia Preti, middle school complex, with “Spazio Tempo”, third place and prize of 200 euros.
The works of “special” artists were exhibited in the foyer spaces of the Politeama, Raffaella Spinelliwho paints his works digitally or using just one finger, and Luca Talarico, a cartoonist who creates his works with the mouse. Partners of the project were theMoments of Art Associationchaired by Antonella Gentile and theUn Raggio di Sole Associationdriven by Piero Romeo. (rcz)
