Facilitating the development, growth and participation of the citizens through the instrument of art, which becomes the driving force of a responsible social transformation: this is the main objective of the Barro Cultural District, an association established by a group of towns* together with Ente Parco del Monte Barro, Comunità Montana Lario Orientale-Valle S.Martino and the association Genti in Viaggio. The symbol of this partnership is Monte Barro, the site of a regional park of primary importance for the natural, archaeological and cultural features characterising it. Starting from these premises, the District wants to build an artistic and naturalistic route within the park to enhance the current cultural offer. In this process, the Third Paradise plays a pivotal role: the park accommodates an installation of Michelangelo Pistoletto’s trinamic symbol, whose principles and contents are in line with the objectives of the association. The artist from Biella laid the first stone in person in 2014, i.e. he planted the first sprig, which would eventually produce the representation of his sign-symbol. In this artistic-environmental context, nature thrived and gave its fruits, as visible in the image below.
In line with this view, the association has recently issued a call open to all artists without restrictions of age, sex, nationality or other qualification. Multidisciplinary collectives can also enter, as long as they identify a representative meeting the requirements necessary to participate. As far as the works are concerned, they must be realized using natural material. Not only that: the creations must emphasise the relationship mankind-nature, highlighting its ‘green’ component. Three projects will be selected and awarded a prize: the winner will receive 1000 euros, the second and third runner-ups will be entitled to a week-end for two people at the Monte Barro hostel. All the participating projects will be displayed in the course of an exhibition organized by the promoting association at the tourist-cultural centre of the Eremo di Monte Barro.
