Artistic workshops for youths detained in the juvenile penitentiaries (IPM) in Airola (BN), Acireale (CT), Catanzaro, Quartucciu (CA), Rome, Naples, Treviso and L’Aquila.
THE PROJECT IN DETAIL
Objectives
A continuation of the Permanent Cultural Centers begun in various places nationally, some of which only recently established and in need of support and continuity in order to strengthen. To structure and consolidate a methodology that has been tested over the years by training teachers, thus starting a participatory process of co-planning, sharing and exchange of good practices. To enable youths to acquire or rebuild their dignity and increase their faith in themselves.
Beneficiairies
Approximately 80 youths held in penitentiaries (juveniles and young adults in Rome: 6/8 youths + 6 young women; Airola: 15 youths; Catanzaro: 10/12; Catania: 8/10; Cagliari: 8/10; Treviso: 10/12, Aquila 6-8 youths).
Activities
Artistic language and techniques are an instrument applied in prison to teach team work, but especially to consider individual and collective responsibility regarding mafia logic and culture. CCO has been working in the juvenile penitentiary of Airola, in the province of Benevento, since 2013, carrying out various artistic workshops. With AMI support, since 2018 CCO has been offering young prisoners workshops in screenwriting and the writing of rap music aimed at producing short films and theatrical productions chosen by the beneficiaries. Starting in 2020, CCO opened the Airola IPM to the public, organizing the Portami Là Fuori (take me out there) festival between the IPM theater and the city center. It also contributed to the creation of the Teatri e Giustizia Minorile (theater and juvenile justice) national network, collaborating in the organization of the Curae Festival (2024 and 2025 – supported by AMI).
Also supported by AMI, and responding to a specific request on the part of IPM directors, judges and legal professionals, since 2020 CCO has started artistic workshops in new IPMs (Catanzaro, Acireale-Catania, Quartucciu-Cagliari, Rome, Naples, Treviso and, in 2026, Aquila).
The project has demonstrated a significant capacity for expansion at the national level, with growing recognition on the part of institutions and a great capacity for connecting diverse realities in the territories and sectors to create solid bridges for collaboration.
The project aims to provide continuity to the Permanent Cultural Centers begun in various territories at the national level, and to the group psychological supervision meetings for professionals in order to promote continuous dialogue and exchange among trainers, supported by an outside specialist that can facilitate reflection and comparison.
Finally, support for participation in conferences, meetings, festivals and awards enables the association to widen its network, disseminate its project and increase the possibilities for financing and project development.
