An evening of music and community at San Giovanni in Persiceto celebrated Giacomo Gelati’s artistic residency, blending art and participation to explore Europe’s shared future. The event kicked off at 7 PM with a delightful European-style aperitivo, celebrating the flavors and traditions of the continent and of the cultures that live in it, while setting the tone for an evening of shared experiences and ideas. 

Giacomo Gelati’s performance was the heart of the evening. Having spent his residency exploring the power of words and music to bring people together, Gelati introduced an original composition that embodied the project’s mission: to bridge the gap between the political and the personal. The piece, inspired by his recent experience with fatherhood and his reflections on inclusivity and children’s rights, was not just performed for the audience but created with them.

The song begins with a poignant image:

“My two year old boy
has called a meeting at the playschool
he has climbed up the slide
and from up there has shouted
‘equal rights!’”

This tender yet powerful scene served as a metaphor for the simplicity and directness with which children see the world, a reminder that discussions on rights and inclusion should start from the earliest ages. Gelati continued to narrate how the child’s demand for “children’s rights” reverberates across the walls of the school, calling attention to how inclusive policies must prioritize the youngest members of society. The song’s lyrics, enriched by the collective energy of the crowd, were recorded live at Akkatà, turning the audience into an active part of the artistic process.

With lines like “Inclusivity should have an eye on the kids, and all the walls know it” and “Why do we suffocate everything?”, Gelati’s work challenges listeners to reflect on the barriers that still exist in our communities and how, like children, we must dare to confront them with simplicity and courage. The song’s conclusion, a laughter of joy and a huge round of applause, is filled with hope and gives a sense of shared responsibility: Giacomo's enthusiasm echoed throughout the venue, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

As Words of Europe nears its final stage, with the transnational event scheduled in Brussels next week, this event in San Giovanni in Persiceto serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots artistic initiatives. Special thanks go to Circolo Arci Akkatà for the excellent and plentiful dinner, as well as for their impeccable organization, which made the evening even more memorable.

Words of Europe is funded by the European Commission under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) program, and while this first chapter of the project comes to a close, its spirit will live on through Ways of Europe, a new initiative set to launch soon, continuing to build bridges across the continent.