Angelo Bellobono’s Io sono futuro project with Amatrice earthquake survivors

Angelo Bellobono (Rome, 1964) launched Io sono futuro, a community-based art project in Amatrice and other towns hit by the 2016 earthquake in central Italy. The initiative involves local students collecting dust and rubble from the ruins to use as painting material, creating works that were exhibited at Galleria Emmeotto in Rome from October 15 to 29, 2016. Bellobono, known for projects like Atla(s)now and Before me and after my time with Lenape Native Americans, emphasizes listening to communities rather than imposing preconceived narratives. The project received initial support from Roberta Buldini of Galleria Emmeotto and involved artists Davide Dormino, Davide Sebastian, and Francesco Cherri. Bellobono plans ongoing workshops, a solidarity trek with the Marche and Abruzzo mountain guide college, and training for young people as mid-mountain guides. The exhibition featured over 80 works, with students participating in the installation and visiting Rome for the opening.