BallarArt: Community Art Project Revitalizes Palermo's Ballarò District
In Palermo’s Ballarò district, there's this cool project called BallarArt that aims to get families and kids involved in revitalizing the area through art. Led by Liliana Minutoli, who heads Il Giardino delle Idee, it unites several local groups under the SOS Ballarò initiative. This includes Parco del Sole, Biblioteca delle Balate, and others. Since its launch two years ago, BallarArt has focused on empowering kids to foster cooperation and care for their surroundings. It’s turned old dumping spots into fun spaces and features murals by local artists like Alessandro Bazan. Plus, there’s a program called 'Cori al Centro!' showcasing children's choirs in historic sites, helping heal communities impacted by mafia violence. Meanwhile, in Naples, the Wi-U Adolescenti in Arte project promotes art among youth in the Sanità district to prevent gang involvement, supported by local organizations.
Key facts
- BallarArt is a community art project in Palermo's Ballarò district.
- Liliana Minutoli is president of Il Giardino delle Idee and leads BallarArt.
- The project involves associations under SOS Ballarò: Parco del Sole, Biblioteca delle Balate, Centro Sociale Santa Chiara, Centro Sociale San Saverio, Parrocchia di San Niccolò all'Albergheria, Cooperativa Terra da Mare, Mercato storico di Ballarò, Giardino delle Idee.
- BallarArt started two years ago, focusing on children and families.
- The project reclaimed former dumping grounds as recreational spaces.
- Murals were created by Alessandro Bazan, Andrea Buglisi, Angelo Crazyone, Fulvio di Piazza, and Igor Scalisi Palminteri.
- 'Cori al Centro! Voci bianche in centro storico' featured children's choir performances in Palermo's historic center.
- Wi-U Adolescenti in Arte in Naples is funded by the Comune di Napoli and involves associations Il Grillo Parlante, La Casa dei Cristallini, Less IS Onlus, Pianoterra Onlus, Traparentesi Onlus.
- Wi-U aims to provide alternatives to youth involvement in organized crime in the Sanità district.
Entities
Artists
- Liliana Minutoli
- Alessandro Bazan
- Andrea Buglisi
- Angelo Crazyone
- Fulvio di Piazza
- Igor Scalisi Palminteri
- Vittorio Bianco
Institutions
- SOS Ballarò – Storia, Orgoglio e Sostenibilità
- Parco del Sole
- Biblioteca delle Balate
- Centro Sociale Santa Chiara
- Centro Sociale San Saverio
- Parrocchia di San Niccolò all'Albergheria
- Cooperativa Terra da Mare
- Mercato storico di Ballarò
- Giardino delle Idee
- Il Grillo Parlante
- La Casa dei Cristallini
- Less IS Onlus
- Pianoterra Onlus
- Traparentesi Onlus
- Comune di Napoli
- Artribune
Locations
- Ballarò
- Albergheria
- Palermo
- Italy
- Sicily
- Naples
- Sanità