On January 9, 2025, the closing event of the “Terre Sonanti – Il Mammut” project took place in the packed Sala della Voliera of the MAXXI L’Aquila. This participatory art initiative conceived and curated by artist Silvia Di Gregorio was funded under the Restart Program – Development of the cultural potential for the tourist attraction of the crater, Strand C for the year 2024. The initiative draws inspiration from the mammoth kept in the eastern bastion of the Castello dell’Aquila, the 70th anniversary of which was celebrated in 2024 in the municipality of Scoppito.
The municipality played a key role in the project, proposing itself as the lead municipality, believing from the outset in the importance of a close collaboration network with local governments and creating synergies between the various communities. Thirteen municipalities in the crater area participated in the project, enriching and strengthening the initiative by sharing experiences and expertise.
An institutional event that retraced, also through the screening of the documentary film directed by Francesco Paolucci, the phases of the project, which saw the active involvement of hundreds of citizens, associations, artists, and cultural institutions, contributing to the valorization of the cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage of the province of L’Aquila.
After months of workshops and training sessions, the project culminated in a traveling artistic performance that traveled throughout the region, bringing art, culture, and stories to symbolic and reconstructed locations. A unique opportunity to strengthen intergenerational dialogue, promote collective memory, and support the social regeneration of the area, and above all, to foster synergy between organizations, institutions, artists, and citizens.
Specifically, “Terre Sonanti – Il Mammut” was a collaboration between the MAXXI L’Aquila, the Teatro Stabile d’Abruzzo, the National Museum of Abruzzo, the University of L’Aquila, and the Academy of Fine Arts of L’Aquila. It involved 32 associations from participating municipalities, 31 artists, and 18 local businesses, creating an impact on local employment, as well as the participation of schools, residents, and visitors. It is a great example of how culture can stimulate the growth of a region, enriching its tourism offerings and enhancing its social and economic value.
The USRC has sponsored and supported this collaborative project from the outset, which embodies the vision of cultural promotion and sustainable development of the region, centered on culture, professional skills, and collaboration among multiple stakeholders, also fostering the intangible rebirth of the region.
The meeting was attended by Edoardo Alesse, Rector of the University of L’Aquila, and Chiara Bertini, the coordinator of the Performative04 curatorial team for MAXXI L’Aquila, as well as Doriana Legge, coordinator for Cultural Activities and the Creativity Incubator at the University of L’Aquila, Federica Zalabra, director of the National Museum of Abruzzo, Roberta Gargano, head of the Communications Office of the Teatro Stabile d’Abruzzo, and Enrico Sconci, president of Muspac L’Aquila, Eng. Raffaello Fico, head of the Special Office for Crater Reconstruction (USRC), and the mayors of various municipalities involved in the project, including Loreto Lombardi, Mayor of Scoppito; Domenico Nardis, Mayor of Villa Sant’Angelo; Deborah Visconti, Mayor of Sant’Eusanio Forconese; Fabrizio D’Alessandro, Mayor of Barisciano; Sabrina Ciancone, Mayor of Fontecchio; Gianmatteo Riocci, Mayor of Ocre; Valerio Munzi, Deputy Mayor of Acciano; and Giovanna Colagrande, Deputy Mayor of Fossa. Also in attendance were Gaspare Ferella, President of the 24 Luglio Community; and Antonio Lattanzi, Headmaster of the San Demetrio – Rocca di Mezzo High School.
The event concluded with an exploration of the exhibition of art books inspired by the Mammoth, created by artists Francesca Racano and Debora Frasca during school workshops.
Photo: Francesco Paolucci
