«We’re working on it, imagine if we let the bases of the Riace Bronzes get sick». With respect to this “you can only expect good news from us”. Thus the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, on the sidelines of the presentation ceremony of the work “Fontana Ferma” by Piero Pizzi Cannella, in Reggio Calabria, responding to a question on the state of the anti-seismic bases of the two statues.
«This project was created to build bridges: between the two banks of the Strait, between cultures and between the peoples of the Mediterranean. It is a vision – said the minister – which fits into the Mattei Plan, because it recognizes culture as one of the most effective tools for strengthening dialogue, cooperation and shared growth. The new generations will give full meaning to this cultural bridge, experiencing these places, training themselves through culture and transforming this project into a legacy capable of leaving lasting traces over time. Everything we are doing today will acquire its deepest value in the opportunities it will be able to create and in the links it will continue to build between Mediterranean communities.” The work, located outside the Museum and inaugurated after the one unveiled this morning in Messina, represents one of the symbols of the MIRA – Mediterranean Institute for Research and Arts project, created to promote cultural cooperation between the two shores of the Strait and strengthen the role of the Mediterranean as a space for dialogue, research and shared growth.
Architect Zaha Hadid remembered: “Among the great contemporary architects”
Giuli remembered the figure of the great architect Zaha Hadid, «whose death marks ten years ago. Zaha Hadid – he underlined – was one of the most important contemporary architects. Moreover, she is the one who designed and created a great museum that is in my heart, the Maxxi. Here in Reggio Calabria – he continued – Zaha Hadid (designer of the Sea Museum under construction, ed.) left one of the most beautiful projects of her entire experience. So Zaha Hadid’s museum will be one of the focal points of the dialogue. Naturally, you Calabrians will be the ones to say how, when and if.”
Photo Attilio Morabito