NEW YORK & THE ART OF LIVING TOGETHER

Works by Persons with Mental Disabilities from the Arts Labs of Sant'Egidio

This is not just another exhibition of disabled artists, or the result of some “art-therapy”. It is something different. As a matter of fact, this exhibition sets a landmark of a liberating and creative process by which persons with mental disabilities or their interlocutors (the so-called normally endowed) are no longer typified as such, but have joined hands as protagonists - thanks to an equitable and dialogical relationship. Thought and action originated “a sort of Massive Relational Artwork” comprising disabled and non-disabled artists - openly exchanging experiences with the Arts community and especially with recognized artists.

Since its outset, Sant’Egidio has taken care of marginalized persons with disabilities, unveiling their hidden troubles, their stories of exclusion and humiliation, but also their unexpressed thoughts, their expectations, their desire to express themselves, their "joie de vivre", and unleashing their potential.

The present art exhibition provides us with a chance to listen to the voiceless, to those who are not supposed to have a say, especially on one of the greatest challenges of our time: "Living Together". Their artworks are a powerful and robust response to the noise originated by xenophobic passions in our societies. Sant'Egidio opted for the culture of “Living Together” as opposed to fear, fostering peace efforts, while unveiling the tragic aspects of emigration from war-torn regions, as well as migration caused by severe poverty.

DATES, PLACES & INFO:

  • United Nations Headquarters, New York: November 5-16, 2018
  • Consulate General of Italy, New York: November 19-30, 2018

The Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN and The Community of Sant’Egidio is delighted to invite you to the Closing Ceremony of:

The Art of Living Together

The World seen through a different perspective
United Nations Headquarters, New York: 6.00pm on Thursday 15th November

To attend the Closing Ceremony: please note that those without a UN Grounds pass who wish to view the exhibit (from 5 to 6pm) and attend the closing ceremony to begin at 6pm on Thursday 15th November, are kindly invited to provide their name to [email protected] no later than Sunday 11th November. The artists will be available at the exhibit site on both Thursday 15th November and Friday 16th November, from 2 to 4pm. Kindly provide your name to [email protected] no later than Friday 9th November. Thank you for bringing a valid Government issued ID with you.