Creative Campus is a student organization that works in conjunction with
Florence International Theatre Company to allow time and place for Italian and
American students to meet and work together through planning creative projects
that benefit the community and draw awareness to key issues going on in
Florence and around the world. With its innovative approach to nighttime
entertainment, the organization offers a chance to learn about other cultures and
create an intimate and positive rapport with the city.
Taking
center stage on March 18 will be Creative Campus’ latest endeavor: All Eyes
On You, a booklet produced by the Artemisia Association, to be
celebrated with an evening of art and music, poetry and performance created
entirely by students of several university programs here in Florence. The
booklet is a resource for American students to help them understand the
environment and culture of the city so that they can better protect themselves
during their time here.
Often
unspoken or undocumented, violence against women does happen in Florence. The
risk of violence is predominantly related to Florence’s nightlife, where the
behavior of many study abroad students is in stark contrast with Italian
culture. This negative culture clash has created a communication barrier
between Americans and Italians-greatly fueled by stereotypes.
The booklet
includes personal accounts of young American women who share their testimonies
for incoming students, along with tips on being safe and emergency contact
numbers. The hope is to provide American students, women in particular, with
compelling facts and important resources to help avoid conduct that puts them
at risk during their stay in Florence.
The evening includes an art exhibit, collaborative art piece, spoken
word, live music and a student documentary of both American and Italian
viewpoints on the cultural perceptions on life and behavior in
Florence-celebrating the experience of Italy, blending of cultural
perspectives, gathering artists of all kinds, creating art that speaks to the
issues of violence against women and cultural discontinuity. The students hope
this experience will help dissolve existing stereotypes, open barriers of
cross-cultural communication, and help alleviate potentially dangerous
situations caused by cultural misunderstandings.
Creative
Campus presents all eyes on you
March18 at 9pm to 12am
Casa della Creatività, Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore,
1
Students interested in
volunteering for the event should e-mail info@florencetheatre.com or call
055/213788.
Art and ideas for the show will
be accepted through Friday, March 13.
