It is in delicate moments, in fragile and complex situations, that we can tell who really cares about us. When an unforeseen event – of any kind – makes its way into our life, there is no need to wear futuristic glasses to clearly see who is really sorry for the adversity that has hit us. The reason is simple: it can be felt, perceived, and it is easy to identify those who do not feel involved in our problem and those who really feel sorry. What makes the difference is when the sadness for what has happened is not limited to regret, but crosses the line into sorrow. At that point the process of change begins by extending a more or less metaphorical hand to help those in difficulty.
At the beginning of the year Tiziana De Tora and Marco Papa, Rebirth / Third Paradise ambassadors, saw the collapse of what they had built with energy and passion. In the night between 10th and 11th February 2021, the east slope of the hill overlooking their residence slid down, dragging part of a centuries-old wood onto the workshop / laboratory and onto the section of the building housing the artistic residencies, causing extensive damage to roofs, walls and terraced gardens. We are talking about TANA – Terranova Arte Natura, an oasis of environmental protection and education through the arts located in Benevento Sannio, born from an idea of Marco and Tiziana, who, as activists and environmentalists, have chosen to return to their roots and specifically to the town of origin of Marco’s family. Through their non-profit cultural association, Artstudio’93, for several years they have been carrying out environmental protection workshops, socio-cultural projects and training of young people, as well as being the curators and creators of the international event Happy Earth Days, dedicated to World Earth Day. The goal, obviously, is to protect, promote and enhance the assets of artistic, historical and landscape interest with socio-cultural activities, and to urge civil and social commitment from the citizens.
What happened to the two ambassadors would have brought anyone to their knees. And so it has been for Marco and Tiziana: as sensitive, empathetic and warm people, they have lived through an emotional abyss. Putting yourself in their shoes, thinking about what it felt like to see part of your world collapse is disconcerting. The person writing this article has felt their deep sorrow, a profound despair that has wounded their soul. But the two of them, always working together, immediately started repairing the damage that the bad weather had caused. And here we go back to the introductory remarks: in this path of rebirth Marco and Tiziana have never been alone, ever. Those living nearby offered their support straight away, from friends to citizens to the police. Then help started coming from remote too, through a crowdfunding (as reported in our previous article), because the setback was obviously also of an economic nature. Hence the idea of launching a campaign on Produzioni dal Basso – the first Italian crowdfunding and social innovation platform – to support the process of securing the premises and rebuilding the damaged structures, and to help resume all cultural and environmental protection projects as soon as possible. This brought Marco and Tiziana a new happiness: also thanks to the network of Rebirth / Third Paradise ambassadors and to Cittadellarte, people from all over the world have come to their assistance. This support, in presence or from afar, is nothing more than a mirror that reflects everything that Marco and Tiziana have always given: the love is being returned to the sender.
For the last few weeks, the crowdfunding campaign has had a new ally: art. In addition to the rewards already allocated, all those who decide to contribute financially will in fact be able to choose one of the works generously donated by the 36 #artistiperiltana to support the initiative. They are Marisa Albanese, Michele Attianese, Luciano Basagni, Antonio Biasiucci, Gianluca Capozzi, Angelo Casciello, Franz Cerami, Mary Cinque, Riccardo Dalisi, Luca Dalisi, Gianfranco De Angelis (8Ki), Antonio De Filippis, Gianni De Tora, Fabio Donato , Salvatore Emblema, Sergio Fermariello, Mauro Kronstadiano Fiore, Vincenzo Frattini, Clara Garesio, Mana Greco, Mario Laporta, Christian Leperino, Mariangela Levita, Lello Lopez, Angelo Maisto, Salvatore Marsillo, Moio & Sivelli, Giacomo Montanaro, Gloria Pastore, Neal Peruffo, Francesca Pirozzi (Ellen G), Giuseppe Pirozzi, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Carmine Rezzuti, Paola Romoli Venturi, Bruno Starita. Michelangelo Pistoletto also recorded a video appeal in support of TANA (see it above): “TANA is a home – said the artist from Biella – and home means environment. We must defend our home starting from TANA, which deals with environmental protection in connection with the Third Paradise. Help TANA, because together we can continue to work for the regeneration of society and of our relationship with nature”.
Michelangelo Pistoletto – Third Paradise for TANA – 2021 – enamel on mirror-polished stainless steel – 50×60 cm.
Please click here to take a virtual tour of all the works; click here to make a donation.
