"The fate of a woman is written as if on a sand tablet, carried away by the wind."
— Tahar Ben Jelloun, Creatura di Sabbia
Understanding others means delving deeper into ourselves, valuing what sets us apart while simultaneously reinforcing what unites us. CREATURE DI SABBIA arises from this contemplation and the awareness that the destinies of many women, particularly in patriarchal societies, are as fragile and precarious as sand. Respect for the other, especially concerning the female gender, must become a shared value, particularly among the youth. While Western culture may appear equitable on paper, the daily reality tells a different story, revealing much work still to be done—not only in terms of rights and regulations but also in behaviours and practices, extending even to the most distressing incidents reported in the media.
Interreligious dialogue thus emerges as a vital tool to bridge the gaps created by humanity’s desire for dominance.
The CREATURE DI SABBIA project, inspired by Tahar Ben Jelloun's novel, narrates the tale of a woman who, in order to survive in a patriarchal society, pretends to be a man. The project aims to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women in the Mediterranean, utilising art as an inclusive medium capable of welcoming, nourishing, and healing.
The initial step involves selecting eight young female artists from countries with Arab Muslim cultural and religious backgrounds, currently residing in Italy, who are students at Fine Arts Academies or similar institutions. The chosen artists will have the opportunity to develop ongoing projects, engaging in dialogue with colleagues, teachers, and Italian experts during a residency at the Museo "S. Castromediano" in Lecce. At the conclusion of the residency, their works will be showcased in an unprecedented exhibition, which may also be subsequently highlighted in their countries of origin.
The artworks, encompassing photography, painting, design, and graphics, will be enriched by intercultural stimuli arising from the residency, in collaboration with the Dams of Lecce and the Museo "S. Castromediano." Throughout this journey, the artists will be accompanied by students from the Artistic Institutes of the Lecce province, who will be sensitised to issues of gender equality, social justice, and the fight against sexist and racial violence. This process will intertwine art with social awareness, offering the youth of Salento the opportunity to reflect not only on the "Arab Spring" and the role of culture in those revolts but also on the gender inequalities present within their own society. Through art, they will recognise the transformative potential of culture as a means of social change.
The project integrates and connects the activities of various partner organisations that share a vision of culture as a bridge to new citizenship rights.
The partnership comprises:
- Agenzia per il Patrimonio Culturale Euromediterraneo, dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges between peoples.
- Associazione Positivo Diretto, which promotes European projects linked to social and public arts, focusing on human journeys and supportive landscapes.
- Polo Bibliomuseale di Lecce, which employs art as a vehicle for peace and integration through initiatives like "Musei accoglienti" e and "Il Viaggio di Sindbad".
- Comune di Lecce, which supports social integration processes through cultural events and venues.
- Associazione N.O.I. Salento, representing the Islamic community of Lecce, committed to promoting a religion free from political and ideological influences, correcting wrongs with goodness.
